NORTHWICH RUFC gave an excellent account of themselves in a 30-22 defeat against the Regional 2 North West table toppers.

After the previous week’s defeat at Douglas on the Isle of Man, and Richard Dale, Patrick Douglas, Tom Husbands and Charlie Bancroft all unavailable for the team in bottom spot, it was in trepidation that Northwich welcomed Firwood Waterloo to Moss Farm

But Blacks ignored the script even with the coaching staff having to change things around, which included Jack Baille returning to the fray along with new boy Morudu Thabang coming in at full-back.

Northwich started well and they were rewarded for their efforts with a fine try from Tom White after a build-up that involved almost all the team.

Two minutes later Firwood reduced the lead with a penalty kick awarded when Northwich failed to release in the tackle.

On the 25th minute the FW full back showed lightning speed on a kick return as he carried the ball all the way for a try.

Ten minutes later a Harry Naylor penalty levelled the scores.

As the half drew to a close there was a flurry of activity.

Firstly, Blacks scored after a good build up with a deft inside pass from Naylor to Jack Owens seeing the latter cross for a try that Naylor duly converted.

The response was swift as FW crossed for their own converted try and the half ended 15-15.

Early in the second period a loose ball was hacked on and Firwood won the race to touch down.

Northwich were guilty of giving away too many penalties and eventually Curtis Finnigan was shown a yellow card.

FW took full advantage and extended their lead with another unconverted try.

The final 20 minutes were hard fought with Northwich trying everything to get back on terms, ably led by man-of-the-match Boitumelo Tsatsane.

With 10 minutes remaining after a significant build up of pressure Naylor took a quick tap penalty and scored a close-range try which went unconverted.

Blacks were awarded a penalty with time nearly up.  However, the kick for touch was sliced and the ball went dead in-goal.

From the FW scrum they launched a final attack and won a penalty which was successfully converted.

This Saturday Northwich take a break and their next outing will be a visit to Widnes on November 30, kick-off 2.15pm.