ANOTHER case of so near yet so far as Northwich RUFC lost 20-17 at Widnes.

Despite the disappointment of the result, there was a lot of positives Blacks could take from the encounter.

Man-of-the-match Curtis Finnigan was exceptional in both attack and defence.

The set-piece was effective throughout and the defence committed and physical at all times.

Northwich, still without Richard Dale, Morudu Thabang, Zac Richardson and Levy Nzoungou, gave Toby Moss and David Bratt opportunities in a first XV shirt and welcomed the return of Patrick Douglas to the fray.

Despite the changes, Blacks gave an excellent account of themselves as they took on Widnes for the first time in 12 years.

The first 30 minutes were a stalemate, with Northwich slowly gaining in momentum and taking first blood following an attacking lineout that was secured and driven towards the Widnes try for Tom White to cross.

Northwich soon extended their lead from another lineout. When Widnes infringed Harry Naylor took a quick tap and moved the ball to midfield where Jack Owens was on hand to cross.

Naylor added the extras and with five minutes of the half remaining Northwich appeared to be in control.

However, Widnes collected a deep clearance kick, returned it with purpose and scored an unconverted try.

With three minutes of the second half gone the home side were once again on the score sheet.

Following a good passage of play the home side went over in the corner with the referee adjudging the try to be good despite the scorer appearing to be in touch before grounding the ball.

On the 63rd minute Widnes took the lead from a counter attack after a Blacks clearance kick missed touch.

Northwich were failing to find any rhythm until the 75th minute when a couple of carries from a scrum win led to the ball being moved wide for Quinlan Watson to score.

With the match drawing to a close it looked like Blacks would take the spoils.

Once again Northwich failed to get over the line when a clearance kick gave the home side the opportunity for a final counter attack and with the Blacks defence stretched Widnes were able to deliver the killer blow, leaving the visitors with just a losing bonus point for their efforts.

Northwich, five points adrift of Winnington Park at the bottom of Regional 2 North West, entertain Eccles on Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.