Aside from the two tries scored by the hosts, Josh Grant ( who did an admirable job of getting a side together) left the shirts at the club, which was only discovered as the team reached the M6 on journey to Macclesfield. However thankfully everyone arrived on time despite a slight detour.
At 3 o' clock we were underway and after a stretch of 30 minutes of penalties given away by either side Crewe broke the deadlock. A quick tap from Flanker Kevin Naughton followed by good support meant that Mark Manaton was able to crash over from close range for his first try of the game.
However, Macclesfield were not done yet and just on the brink of half time some strong forwards play meant that their second row, and strongest carrier, was able to break the Crewe defence. A good conversion from their fly-half meant that they went into the break 7-5 up.
Crewe came out firing in the second half and an excellent turn over from Rob Black helped Josh Grant score a brilliant solo try that saw him run the length. A good conversion from Scrum half Chris Maloney meant that Crewe now had a 12-7 lead.
Soon after another Crewe turnover led to a kick behind the left winger of Macclesfield who was helpless as a rather fortuitous bounce meant it flew over his head and into the arms of Andrew Farrington who was never going to be caught. Another conversion from Chris meant it was 19-7 to Crewe.
Within a few minutes Crewe had scored again quick hands from Mike Wittingham saw outside Centre Tom Pattinson run along the wing and splash down in the corner. 24-7 to Crewe.
There was still fight in Macclesfield yet however as they showed. A scrum 5 metres from the Crewe line was used as a platform for the inside centre to cut a good line through the Crewe defence. Another successful Conversion for the Macclesfield Ten meant the score was now 24-14.
But, Crewe would have the last laugh as strong carrying from the forwards meant there was space outwide. A quick pass from Chris to Mark Manaton, who had now moved to the wing, meant mark was able to run through the winger and score his second try of the day.
"I just hope everyone can say they enjoyed it",Josh Grant.
Next Weeks Match- Owswestry (home) Saturday 8th September. 3pm Kick off.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Sandbach 3rd XV | 16 | 59 |
2. | Leek 2nds | 15 | 53 |
3. | Newcastle (Staffs) 2nd XV | 15 | 53 |
4. | Crewe & Nantwich 3rd XV | 16 | 49 |
5. | Northwich 3rd XV | 15 | 38 |
6. | Macclesfield 4th XV | 16 | 36 |
7. | Oswestry 2nd XV | 16 | 34 |