Northwich 15 Widnes 7

South Lancashire Cheshire One

THE atmosphere at Moss Farm has been transformed in the space of a fortnight after Northwich turned in a performance that shows they can live with any side in their division.

They may still be too close to the relegation zone for comfort but two weeks ago they only had point-less St Edwards OB keeping them off the bottom of the table and were without a league win in two months.

Now, after two straight wins including Saturday's over championship favourites Widnes, the young side is in the mood to launch a climb up the table in 2002.

The game was characteristic of some of their better performances aganst more fancied teams over the years - stubborn defence combined with a never-say-die attitude that's been lacking for most of the season.

Indeed, it was Widnes, for so long the leaders during this campaign, who scored first and had the better of the opening 40 minutes, but in the second half Northwich were in command with the wind at their backs.

Northwich had spurned two early kicking opportunities by electing to run the ball and after 15 minutes Widnes counter attacked for a slick handling move to produce the only try of the game.

Dean Thompson, Dave Briggs and Rob Heath put in some big hits to curtail a Widnes side determined to run the ball, but Thompson did get 10 minutes in the sin bin as tempers became frayed.

Joe Wood pulled a penalty back 15 minutes before half-time, the first of five that would give his side their victory.

At 7-3 down, Northwich mounted attack after attack early in the second half, with Ricky Evans having one of his best games at stand off and last week's debutant Richard Norton making ground every time he got the ball.

As Widnes lost their discipline Wood pulled back another penalty but missed two more within five minutes.

Chris James was sin binned following more silliness but Wood put Northwich ahead for the first time.

Another sin bin followed, Widnes' stand off being next to depart for 10 minutes, but it was only after his return that Wood sealed the win with the last two penalty kicks.

NORTHWICH 2nds had former Durham University flanker Harry Gutteridge, signed in midweek, and winger Andy Allen, returning from a spell at Broughton Park, in their line-ups, and both did well in their 27-0 win over Crewe and Nantwich.

The 3rds lost at Crewe and Nantwich.

This Saturday, Northwich 1sts and 3rds are away to Leigh, 2nds at home (all 2.30pm).