Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it!!

Crewe Senior Academy returned to league action, looking for an improved performance following on from the 1 point defeat to Sale Fc two weeks previous.

As the first flurries of winter started to fall, Crewe got out of the blocks quickly against a big, strong Whitchurch side that had definitely come to play. Within the first couple of minutes, Crewe looked to impose their game upon the opposition, through several strong carries by the forwards, whilst the backs looked for field position and applied pressure to the physical Whitchurch backline.
Oliver Hollins was the first to break the deadlock as he collected the ball just outside the 22; took on his opposite number to score in the corner. Logan Lynch expertly converted from out wide.

The snow had set in and the conditions started to prove difficult, with cold hands and a slippery ball, Crewe's defensive line speed had improved from a few weeks ago, with some huge hits coming in from the backrow of Mckenna, Lewis & Postlethwaite, on one such occasion,Jacob pounced on a dislodged ball, fed Kohl, who out paced the winger to score, Lynch again converted from the touchline.

14 - 0 with 25 min gone.

Whitchurch came back with a renewed energy; they made a couple of line breaks, putting Crewe's scramble defence under pressure. Crewe worked hard with Sourbutts putting in a huge effort to stop a definite try, but it was all in vain as Whitchurch forced their way over in the corner.

14 - 5

Lynch added his name to the try scorers just before half time as Jacob put in a huge hit on his own 22, allowing Joyce to steam through the resulting breakdown and feeding Lynch 1 metre outside Crewe's 22m, a side step and pace to round the cover defence to score; he failed to add the extras, 19 - 5 at halftime..

The half time chat was all about the winner of the game was no longer going to be about skill, but as the weather deteriorated, it was now about who wanted it more, who was prepared to dive in the snow, chase lost causes, run the extra yard, who had more desire?
Well, Whitchurch apparently, at least for the first 10 minutes, as their new front row put us under pressure at the scrum; they made inroads through relentless carrying, which was rewarded with a well deserved try. 19 - 10 with 25 to go.
The try seemed to get Crewe going, but also thinking, playing in the right areas, Crewe now looked like a well oiled, if very cold machine. Jacob cut through a hole following a lovely backs move, beating the last defender to score, which was quickly follow by Olly Joyce crashing over from short range, Lynch converted one of the two tries.
The final try went to the outstanding Jacob, who led from the front all day, he kicked a loose ball through and won the foot race against a tired Whitchurch defence. Logan added the 2 to bring the most superb team performance to a close.

Outstanding game from all 23 players, who showed heart and togetherness in pretty grim conditions. Freezing cold, exhausted bodies with ecstatic faces after a fine win makes all the hard work by them worthwhile!!

Try Scorers - Jacob x 2, Oliver H x 1, Logan x 1, Oliver J x 1, Kohl x 1
Conversions - Logan x 4

A huge thanks to Whitchurch players and coaches, the match official and the supporters from both sides for being out there. Also, thanks to our Sponsors for your continued support - Whittingham Fresh Foods - Playworld - Ipex - PCO - RS Burgess & Sons - GB Davies - they are here for all your Fresh food, softplay, telecommunications, popcorn, building and groundwork needs. New sponsor incoming next month!!

Photo Courtesy of www.michaelwincottphotography.com