The blacks traveled to Blundellsands in the firm knowledge that this was going to be the test of the season to date. Although Martin Poste was disappointed that Phil Williams was unavailable he was buoyed by the return of Will du Randt following his spell at Chester.

The match started well for Northwich as they were able to take control. With 10 minutes gone the ball was moved to the short side to prop forward Mike Bradshaw. He sold a dummy and kicked the ball through a gap for man of the match Shaun Burmah to score. Baldwin added the extras. Five minutes later the home side had a defensive lineout close to the try line. The long throw fell into the hands of Chris Dale who carried over the line for a try. Baldwin again added the extras. Shortly after, Chris Dale suffered a knee injury that forced him from the field of play. This was a blow to the visitors as he was at the heart of blacks attack. With the half entering stoppage time Northwich suffered a meltdown. A home scrum inside their own 22 was won and with some great handling a gap appeared and the cover defence could do nothing to stop an unconverted try being scored. By this time the blacks were looking for half time to settle things down, but there was still time for a FW lineout close to the Northwich line. With the ball secured the home side drove for the line to score a second unconverted try. The half ended with the blacks ahead by 14-10 and wondering how they had let the early dominance slip.

The match restarted with the home side in control. A lineout on the Northwich 22 set FW on the attack. They showed great patience and eventually broke the blacks defence to score a converted try. Lady luck deserted Northwich as injuries left them without Chris James and Sam Naylor. Despite this they continued to press only to concede a penalty which extended the home lead to six points. With the match in stoppage time it looked like a bonus point would be the only reward. However, even that prospect disappeared as FW rounded off the afternoon scoring a fourth try which was converted.

Despite the disappointment the blacks are still very much in the hunt. They are only 2 points off second place and after next weeks rest will enjoy 3 matches at home. Martin Poste will welcome the rest as it will give time for some of the player to recover from injury.

Next week Northwich take a break returning the following week to entertain Keswick 2.15pm KO

1 Mike Bradshaw 2 Chris James 3 Joe Maddocks 4 Chris Heywood 5 Patrick Fray 6 Chris Dale 7 Tom Clark 8 Richard Dale 9 Matthew Poste 10 Nick Baldwin 11 Shaun Burma 12 Sam Naylor 13 Scott Davidson 14 Tom Husbands 15 Will du Randt 16 Richard Hart17 Mark Thompson 18 James Wood