Crewe and Nantwich 1st XV suffered their first loss of the new season in a frustrating encounter with Walsall

Description Crewe and Nantwich 1st XV suffered their first loss of the new season in a frustrating encounter with Walsall at Delves Road in the Midlands 2 West (North) league on Saturday.

In the first league fixture for Walsall’s new artificial pitch, Crewe and Nantwich managed to take the lead early through Elliot Meredith, finishing off some sustained Crewe pressure, crashing over on 12 minutes for the try. Walsall kicked a penalty moments later after a breakdown infringement before Crewe threatened the Walsall line after an impressive line-break through Josh McShane. Sadly, a knock-on from a scoring position stalled the attack. Walsall scrambled well, taking the score to 6-5 and despite some promising play from Crewe through Jim Creighton and Joe Telfer they were unable to convert the field position into points.

The first half finished with Walsall narrowly leading 9-5; Crewe rightly felt confident of a result, having won the same fixture last season. Sadly it was Walsall who found the extra gear, looking threatening in the key exchanges, ultimately coming out better at the breakdown and set pieces. Although Crewe scored a well-worked try through Eli Woodward to narrow the deficit to 23-10, Walsall took advantage of a yellow card for a high tackle by Matt Wright and a serious injury to Joe Telfer to finish the game stronger.

Crewe and Nantwich Coach John Farr said: “I’m disappointed with the result and felt that if we had converted a couple of scoring chances in the first half it would have put a bit more pressure on Walsall to win the game. After Joe’s injury it was hard for the team to get back into the game, and at this level we really can’t afford to come off second-best at the breakdown. We’re only two games in so there is plenty of time for us to improve”.

Crewe and Nantwich 1st XV play Camp Hill at Crewe Vagrants on September 15, 3pm kick-off.