Wilmslow 19 Northwich 11

VICTORY over long-established rivals sitting second in North One West was just the tonic Wilmslow Wolves needed after a sticky period of four losses in five games.

How significant this win will turn out to be is yet to be seen but two late scores saw the hosts run out deserved victors by three tries to one.

For much of an entertaining game Wilmslow were forced to defend but they dug in deep and continually frustrated the talented Northwich back division.

They did this well and then renewed aggression, cussedness and belief, in the last 15 minutes brought reward.

At 11-0 down in the first half it looked bleak for Wolves but they hit back.

A lineout drive was stopped, flanker Adam Hewitt was ruled to have been held up as he went for the line and then from the ensuing scrum, which was being wheeled, Hewitt stood off to take a short pass and this time make the line.

Wolves were unable to make anything of a numerical advantage at the start of the second half and for 25 minutes Blacks dominated possession without scoring.

The hosts defended well, quickly closing down Northwich opportunities and never missing a tackle but it was their forwards putting in the big hits, developing some real venom in their counter rucking and showing pure opportunism to steal the ball more than once, that eventually laid the platform for an exhilarating finish.

Winger Toby Rowe provided a lift as he made a determined run through the middle into the Northwich half.

The whole side increased the tempo, cut out mistakes and Northwich were becoming rattled as they started to lose their grip.

Time was running out when the ball was recycled from right to left and winger James Coulthurst was given a potentially scoring pass.

Just two strides short of the line, an almost certain score in sight, he was taken out with a high tackle around the neck.

Referee John Pemberton awarded a penalty try and dished out a yellow card after the verbal volley he had to take from a few players and spectators.

It was still only 12-11 but Wolves were now in the box seat.

The pressure was kept on, the ball was recycled first on the right and then out on the left, moved quickly back into midfield where they had men over and centre Ethan Harding had the space to burst through for the decisive try in added time.

Bob MacCallum struck his kick sweetly and perfectly to bisect the uprights and put his side out of sight.