Northwich 41 Warrington 36

DESPITE a spirited fightback, Warrington once again failed to claim maximum points as they fell to defeat at Northwich on Saturday.

Trailing 36-15 in perfect conditions, Andy Roberts’ side managed to draw level at 36-36 only for the hosts to snatch victory at the death.

After Northwich had scored the opening try early with a quick-tap penalty, Warrington got a foothold in the game when Tom Wood’s pass found Max Caldwell, who made ground before passing for Nathan Beesley to score a try converted by Ben Hockenhull.

Hockenhull kicked a penalty before Northwich steamed over from a scrum to retake the lead, but Wood seized on a mistake to touch down in the corner.

However, a try and a penalty before the break gave the hosts a 22-15 lead and they built on that after the break.

The hosts enjoyed a significant weight advantage over Warrington and they used that to good effect to score two converted tries to seemingly give them control.

However, their fortunes changed when they had three players sin-binned in quick succession and the visitors took full advantage to score a penalty try converted by Hockenhull.

Josh Riley then burst through three tackles before handing on to Beesley, who took it further before finding Riley back on his inside to score, with Hockenhull’s goal bringing Warrington to within seven points.

Shortly afterwards, they were in to level the scores as a set scrum resulted in Danny Fleming easing over.

The momentum was all with the visitors but decided to run a penalty instead of having a shot at goal, a decision they would come to regret when Northwich won the game with an individual try.

Roberts’ side are on the road again on Saturday as they travel to St Benedicts, Whitehaven, kick off 3pm.

“It was a strange game,” commented Roberts.

“Even though we leaked five tries, I thought our defence stood up well to a robust Northwich outfit.

"And obviously, I was pleased with our comeback.

"We travel to Whitehaven next week for what I am sure will be a severe physical examination.

"However, with a couple of players returning after injury, I am sure we will perform well.”