Crewe & Nantwich 1sts were undone by three tries from powerful driving mauls against fourth place New Brighton.
The visitors, driven by ex Tonga international No 8 Kati Tuliloputu, proved to strong in the pack when they clashed at Vagrants.
However, Crewe can be pleased after starting the game well as captain Niall McGregor and the forwards dominated the early exchanges.
New Brighton managed a break out from their own half on 1o minutes, switched play to the blindside and an overlap saw winger Silcocks score an unconverted try.
Crewe continued to dominate the first half, though, in terms of field position and possession.
Some big carries by Killian Roche, Oli Buckley and Eli Woodward resulted in a try by McGregor but the referee ruled it out for not grounding.
Jamie Little did kick two penalties to give the hosts a slim 6-5 half-time lead.
But it was New Brighton who came out the blocks quickest after the break.
Crewe conceded too many penalties and the visiting pack took advantage with two tries as they powered over the line.
The home side’s backs, including Toby Ward, Joe Gammage and Dom Bradley, came close to scoring on several occasions.
New Brighton added a penalty kick to increase the lead, but then Crewe staged a strong comeback.
No 8 Kirk Robinson crashed over for an unconverted try, then full back Ward forced his way through a tiring New Brighton defence to make the score 18-20.
New Brighton managed another catch and drive in the host’s 22 area which was collapsed in a bid to stop the driving maul.
The referee had no choice but to award a penalty try, which sealed the game.
Now the Vagrants outfit face two big games against league leaders Warrington next week and Winnington Park in the Cheshire Bowl Final the week after.
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