On a sunny day with a firm pitch and little wind, the scene was set for a good game of rugby. However, Crewe unfortunately started the game in a similar manner to the previous 2 games against Worcester and Dudley K by conceding a plethora of penalties, thus allowing the opposition to take advantage with penalty goals or giving them the opportunity of clearing their lines. The indiscipline, mainly around the contact area, is really causing problems as the self inflicted wounds are resulting in Crewe losing games. Hereford kicked 6 successful penalties yesterday and scored one well worked try to Crewe's 2 tries, 1 conversion and 2 penalties.
The positives were 2 great tries and that the scrummage went well. Defensively, the team only conceded one try and when getting quick ball, the backs were electric. For the last 30 minutes when young prop, Kostja Vezanovs, joined the forwards, Crewe & Nantwich had two props on the field, both only 18 years of age with Tom Poole being the other prop. This is a great achievement for 2 young players and they acquitted themselves well.
The Crewe tries were quality scores. The first, from a lineout on the left of the Hereford 22 won by 2nd row Matt Wright and delivered off the top of his jump, the ball was moved swiftly to the midfield and from the resultant ruck, the ball went right to flanker, Josh Collins who provided a neat "round the back" pass , behind a Hereford defender to hooker, Eli Woodward. Woodward powered through the last defender to score in the right hand corner. The second try came in the 2nd half and started with a line break by Woodward on the Hereford 10metre line linking up with Joe Gammage who took the ball into the Hereford 22. The ball was moved to the left and a neat offload by no 8, Oli Buckley, enabled Josh Collins to burst through a gap to score 5 metres from the left hand corner.

Broughton Park 2nds 44 - C& N 2nds 36
The 2nds knew they were in for a tough game with Broughton Park 1sts not having a game on Saturday. However the score line of 44 - 36 showed it was an action packed game. Poor concentration levels in the first 10 minutes of both halves basically cost Crewe the game. The excellent Broughton park right winger scored 5 tries and in the end was the difference in the 2 teams. However, the never say die attitude of our 2nd team plus the quality in the team meant they were always in the game. Crewe eventually increased the level of intensity and pressure on Broughton park in both defence and attack which resulted in a tremendous comeback. Having fought back from 39 - 15 down to finish the game 44 36 was testament to the team spirit, with every player giving 100%. But special mention must be made of Phil Alcock, Jim Creighton, Tom Vanstone and Tom Baldwin who were outstanding.

The 3rds had a great win against Blackburn 28-0 to progress to the semi finals of the Cup and and 4 s had a narrow defeat to New Brighton but it was reported to be a very good game of rugby.

Next week the 1st team are away at Kenilworth with a coach leaving approx 11.30am there are seats available for supporters, cost £5 and we would welcome your support. Please contact Andy Brown to reserve a seat. 07519564978.