Northwich put behind them last week's defeat at Sefton to cap Dorian Simes' final appearance for the club

DORIAN Simes could not sign off with a try in his final appearance for Northwich, but Blacks at least returned to winning ways following last week’s surprise slip-up at Sefton.

The Australian back-row returns home this week following a two-year spell with the Moss Farm outfit.

Heading in the same direction will be Grayson Thyne, who has decided to recover from breaking his leg back in his native New Zealand.

His teammates started swiftly on Saturday, taking the lead inside two minutes after stealing the ball at a lineout.

Following a series of phases, Liam Gavin touched down before James Underhill kicked a converted.

They added to their advantage shortly afterwards when Sam Jones gathered a West Park kick before passing to debutant Jonathan Davies.

He teased a defender before off-loading to Michael Gallimore, who in turn sent in Joel Barber to score.

Underhill did his bit with the boot.

A third try arrived before half an hour had been played, this time after Jack Watts had led a break before serving Gallimore.

After a smart exchange with John Brotherton, the scrum-half crossed the whitewash.

Underhill’s conversion made it 21-0.

Blacks saved their best score, one that earns a bonus point, for the start of the second period.

Watts, after catching a kick by the visitors, fed Barber.

He burst forward, evading all would-be tacklers to run the length of the field and touch down under the posts.

A conversion, once more from Underhill, appeared to have settled the outcome.

West Park rallied, securing the ball at a lineout before driving for the line to notch a first try.

A second followed, again following a lineout.

Rather than drive with a maul, the visitors switched the ball out wide to claim a well-worked score.

In control for the first time, the St Helens-based side reduced the deficit to 28-17 at the end of another moved that involved slick handling.

Northwich could breathe easier after Underhill slotted a penalty with time running out, with the hosts happy to repel West Park’s forward forays for the remainder.

Northwich Thompson, Brotherton, Tangi, Harrison, Gavin, Smith, Collins, Watts, Simes, Houghton, Underhill, Jones, Davies, Barber, Gallimore Replacements Cairns, Naylor Tries Barber (2), Gavin, Gallimore Cons Underhill (4) Pen Underhill

Additional reporting by Steve Wood