This was a bitter pill for coach Dodo Muntean and his players to swallow as they tasted defeat at the hands of fellow second place contenders AK in an intense, closely fought encounter. In the end it was a one sided penalty count which cost the 'Black's' the match and left them reflecting on what could have been an opportunity to retain their grip on the second place position. Instead they must now fight for every point they can get and hope that others in the chasing pack slip up as this pulsating season approaches its climax.

 

Preparations did not go well when just before the game Dodo Muntean, who had earlier in the week badly scalded his arm, felt ill and placed himself on the subs bench. Steve Campbell took on the No 10 shirt and equipped himself well and for most of the first half the 'Black's' were just about on top. They scored first when Chris Heywood supported a Chris James charge to score after ten minutes of frantic play. Richard Dale converted but five minutes later Chris Stewart converted the first a AK's four penalties. The visitors responded positively but an ill judged kick ahead and two slack tackles gifted AK winger J P Singleton an opportunist try near to the 'Black's posts. Stewart fluffed what should have been an easy conversion and then five minutes later knocked himself cold as he tried to stop a bulldozing Graham Robinson from scoring in the corner. Richard Dale converted from the touchline to give his team a 8-14 advantage. There were no further tries to come but the 'Black's conceded a string of penalties and Steve Davidson converted two of them to level the scores on the 35 minute mark. Muntean decided that enough was enough and put himself on only to be immediately yellow carded for diving into the side of a ruck.

 

Half time came and eventually Muntean returned but there was to be no orchestrated comeback and midway through the second half Davidson slotted over his third penalty to put AK in the driving seat. The 'Black's' tried desperately to get back into the game but the AK defence held firm. In the last minute of the game the 'Black's drove to within two metres of the AK line but yet another misdemeanour resulted in a yellow card for Heywood and a kick into touch to grant AK game set and match.

 

The 'Black's' played with real passion and commitment but at times lacked direction and a clear decision maker. It is not over yet but the 'Black's' have a big, big task ahead of them; have they got the will to do it? Next up is a trip to Cumbria for what should be a two pointer, KO 3pm.

 

Northwich: Heath (Senior 40), James, Cairns, Heywood, Smith (C), Miritana, Naylor, Robinson, Gallimore, Campbell, Chubb (Muntean 38), Chris Dale (Barber 65), McKibbin, Bown, Richard Dale