Bring me sunshine, Bring me pain.

Crewe & Nantwich 10 Caldy 13

Crewe & Nantwich Senior Academy faced Caldy RUFC Colts in their first Cheshire Cup game of this year’s campaign on Sunday.

A large crowd enjoyed a fantastic game of rugby between two well matched sides, with the result in the balance until the last play of the game.

From the start, Caldy played through their well drilled forwards and forced C&N to commit to an arm wrestle at the breakdown. After an opening 20 minutes that saw Caldy sneaking the possession and territory battle, there perseverance and commitment paid off as they took the lead through a converted try.

Caldy knew they were in a well matched battle though, and with emotions running high a “conversation” between the teams saw the referee reach for his yellow card, Caldy down to 14 for 10 minutes.

C&N knew this was an opportunity they needed to take, and with the first half clock winding down they worked the ball through their backs to mount a sustained attack on the Caldy line. However, solid defence from Caldy and the vagaries of the oval ball meant that at half time the visitors lead by 7.

With the pitch drying and the sun out, the second half saw a more territory based game as the ball went high in the air to challenge the backs on both sides. With the game opening up, C&N started to pressure Caldy as the ball went through the hands to C&N’s fast paced centres & wings.
After a couple of great opportunities just slipped past C&N, a great move down the left saw Bob Clewes sent through on the wing to score a great team try, with Logan converting the score was level at 7 all.

The game was now coming down to fine margins, with Caldy first to take advantage as a penalty was kicked over to see them lead by three. With the ball still being sent high for territory, C&N never let up and kept chasing down every opportunity. Again the bounce of the ball did not favour Crewe in some strong attack’s, and they were then 6 points down as another penalty was kicked by Caldy.

With the clock running down, C&N committed fully to securing a win and drove hard at the Caldy defence, and with them on the back foot a penalty was just deserves for their efforts, Logan kicked over to see us just three behind.

In the last 10 minutes, C&N ran hard at Caldy, playing the ball through hand in a fantastic display of determination, however it was not to be Crewe’s day as the passes just did not stick and the bounce was not for them, the referees whistle ended the game with C&N just short of a winning try.

A great game between two great teams, all the Coaches agreed that the result could have gone either way and would have been deserved by each team.

We thank Caldy for travelling and being involved in such a great advert for Age Grade rugby in the Northwest, we also wish them all the best in the next round.

Tries – Bob Clews
Con – Logan Lynch
Pen – Logan Lynch

The Senior Academy return to action this weekend 23/01 against Eccles at home 2pm, it promises to be a belter after last years high scoring game in Manchester.