NORTHWICH seconds slipped to a surprise defeat – ending their 11-matches winning stretch – against the division’s wooden spoonists.

It leaves Blacks four points adrift of table-toppers Caldy thirds.

The hosts did score first though when a fine counter attack ended with Bob Moxon touching down.

Owen Wilkinson failed to add the extras.

Two tries from Giles Dugdale on his senior debut and Matt Connolly gave Lymm a 21-5 half time lead.

But time and again after that Northwich failed to take their opportunities while at the other end uncharacteristically slack defending allowed Lymm to take control. Tom Wood converted each time.

Further tries were scored for the home team by Dave Farley, Josh Holt and John Keegan but they could not stem the flow of points from the visitors and the final score reflected a deserved victory for the Warrington outfit.

It’s only their second success of the season.

Captain David Coon said: “We’ve been threatening a result like this for some time now.”

An interception try from Dugdale completed his hat-trick, followed quickly by a kick and chase which resulted in a fourth try for the winger.

Wood’s penalty gave Lymm breathing space and despite a late Northwich rally they held on.

“We’re still firmly in the hunt for promotion,” said Northwich’s John Keegan.

“But every player needs to realise the necessity of training to ensure the dream is realised.

“Consistently poor execution of the basics of the game is symptomatic of poor preparation and this must be resolved quickly.”