NORTHWICH were far from their best but still managed a comfortable victory on Saturday.

They were without skipper Jonathan Simpson and Steve Campbell on what was scheduled to be a free weekend and there was a more generous attitude in the defence, which conceded two second-half tries to Tony Barton and Mark Robey, one being converted.

The game should have been over by half time but Northwich missed several scoring chances and only led 12-0 through tries from Chris Dale (converted by Lohane Kiewiet) and Jamie Miritana.

Despite Northwich giving away the two second-half tries Kiewiet took control of the proceedings and dominated the remainder of the game. He fed Dale for his second try.

Then Kiewiet responded to Aspull's first try with a drop goal before receiving a pass from burly Graham Robinson to score between the sticks and convert to give his team a 29-7 advantage.

Robey then scored his try but Kiewiet was not finished yet and responded with a clever break to score his second try. He failed with the conversion and should have made their seventh consecutive victory more convincing.

Northwich entertain Vagabonds from the Isle of Man on Saturday and it will be the last home game for the South African contingent who are set to return to the Natal Sharks.

Northwich 3rds beat Holmes Chapel 22-10 (Chris Steele 2, Ian Haddock, Will Oultram tries; Rick Evans con). nNorthwich Under 14s reached the Cheshire Cup semi finals with a 15-10 victory over Wilmslow on Sunday. The first half was scoreless before Baker, Turrell and Underhill all claimed tries. Stockport 42 Winnington Park 12: Park were roundly beaten by the prospective League North West Two champions and will have to settle for second place.

It will mean a play-off for promotion to the counterparts across the Pennines, likely to be Beverley.

But with debate about a further restructuring of the system still unresolved; who goes up and down may only be conjecture.

Park, though, have given up on the title. They remain the only side to have beaten Stockport this season but did not compete in the first half.

By the break the home side, Powergen Intermediate Cup finalists against Morley at Twickenham, were deservedly 21 points to the good. But there was a fightback.

Ian Davies claimed Park's first try beneath a rolling maul and fellow prop Will Burgess scored a second. Gary Bell kicked the extras, but Stockport were still able to double their tally, scoring six tries, all converted, in total.

Park are at Fleetwood on Saturday.