With a team sheets showing 10 plus changes from the week before, Crewe knew they would have to be switched on against historical local rivals Whitchurch. Whilst the sun shone on a delightful warm day, the two teams looked evenly matched from the off.

Whitchurch opened the scoring early on through their very good 10, all before Crewe could really get into their stride, they were also guilty of trying to play a bit much rugby close to their own try line. The Whitchurch try seemed to be a bit of a settler, Crewe soon got going, strong at the set piece providing good ball for Bill Putt to unleash Luke and Tom in the centres, they both made inroads supported well by Charlie Grinnell and Dan Mckenna; the pressure resulted in Crewe's first points of the day as Toby Evans collected 3 points.

Crewe took the game to Whitchurch straight from the kick-off, eventually leading to a driven lineout which allowed the returning Pete Bush to charge over from 10 metres, the 5 points turned to 7 as Evans expertly converted from the touchline.

The game continued with Crewe looking the more likely to add to the scoreboard, although Whitchurch defended well, a small lapse of concentration allowed a gap to appear and Adam Deegan didn't need a second invite to burst through several tacklers to score from 40 metres - Evans added the extras.

Whitchurch fought back from the kick off, showing how dangerous they could be if they put multiple phases together, they pulled Crewe all over the park and eventually they scored out wide as Crewe's defence was completely out numbered.

Crewe didn't let this blip get the better of them and immediately hit back, through a penalty from Bill Putt, who had a great game at 10, followed by a try as Alfie Johnston latched on to a nicely weighted kick through, and crossed the line fending off a couple of would be tacklers.

Half time - Crewe & Nantwich 25 - Whitchurch 12.

The second half continued in much the same manner as the first, but perhaps understandably given the heat, it lacked the sharpness of the preceding 40 minutes resulting in some fine action and great performances across the team. Several line breaks lead to nothing, great moves and continuity lacked the killer pass. Crewe did add to the score sheet as Jacob scythed through the Whitchurch defence, wrong footed the full back to score from within' his own half.

Final Score Crewe 32 - Whitchurch 12.

Thankyou to Whitchurch for the game, and we wish you all the best for the rest of the season.

Try Scorers - Pete Bush x 1 Adam Deegan x 1 Alfie Johnson x 1 Jacob Aston O'Donavan x 1
Conversions - Toby Evans x 3
Penalties - Toby Evans x 1 Bill Putt x 1

Crewe Senior Academy are in Halbro Colts League action on Sunday, were the Visitors to the Vagrants are Bolton 2pm kick off.