Crewe & Nantwich back to winning ways

Crewe faced Newcastle at the Vagrants hoping to get back on track after disappointing results in their last two fixtures , and avenge the one point defeat in the away fixture .

Newcastle started the stronger but good defence from the home side enabled them to clear their lines to halfway . The returning Matty Wright turned over the Newcastle lineout but an error in attack allowed Newcastle to hack the ball through forcing a lineout near the Crewe line from which they scored after another mix up , 0-5. However Crewe forced their way back up the pitch with departing skipper Elliot Alston and Eli Woodward punching holes in the Newcastle defence forcing them to concede two penalties in quick succession both converted by Creighton ,6-5 .A good take by Allcock from the resulting kick off was launched high into the air by Creighton and skipper McShane following up at speed claimed the high ball superbly, a kick ahead led to a foot race to the line won by scrum half Colebourne well converted by Creighton 13-5 . Newcastle then enjoyed some good possession but a good steal in defence by open side Ally Lang allowed Crewe to move the ball at pace through the backs, Colebourne eventually forcing his way over for his second try for the final score of the half 20-5.

Crewe extended their lead just after half time with another Creighton penalty 23-5 .
Newcastle again forced their way back into the game but Crewe defence stood firm especially at the scrum where the front row of Evans, Woodward, Outhwaite and Hargreaves,welcomed back to first team duties after a long gap,dominated their opposite numbers. Some good combination play up the pitch between forwards and backs led to a scrum near the visitors line ,no 8 Greg Saignes powering over for his first try in the first team con Creighton 30-5. Crewe were now dominant and another sweeping move earned Crewe a lineout in the visitors 22, quick ball off the top from Wright , and a great slight of hands from McShane found fullback Toby Ward hitting the line at pace and his angled run allowed him to go over untouched, a cracking try, earning Crewe the bonus point right at the death ,final score 35-5.

A much improved performance from Crewe full of flair and passion and a great way for skipper Elliot Alston to depart on his adventure to Australia the club wishes him well and has a shirt waiting on his return.

Quote from Head Coach John Farr:

"A return to the form that we know we’re capable of. It comes down to effort at the end of the day and as a squad we all knew that we hadn’t worked hard enough in the last couple of games. Alcock and Wright both added to the ethic within the team, it was good to have them back It would have been easy to just take the win but again the boys dug deep to secure a bonus point with the last play of the game."

The 3,s also won at home 33-12 but the 2,s sadly lost a hard fought game against Chester 3,s at Hare Lane 60-28. The Junior Colts were also defeated yesterday against Kendal Colts 28-40, but the Ladies had a triumphant cup match against Drybrook in Gloucester which takes them into the semi finals of the Intermediate Plate (full report to follow).

(Photos courtesy of Peter Robinson)