Crewe & Nantwich RUFC produced a stunning display of rugby to topple unbeaten Hereford 25-16 at the Vagrants.
The visitors, looking to extend their winning sequence of nine games, were overpowered and outplayed by Crewe’s forwards.
The hosts dominated in the scrums and lineout, with front row Ian Merrill, Eli Woodward, James Guy and in the 2nd half Arron Voller, producing the goods.
Second row of Niall McGregor and Ollie Buckley controlled the scrummage and put pressure on the Hereford pack.
Hereford opened the scoring in the fourth minute, when their number eight smashed through three defenders to score in the left corner.
They then scored two penalties to make it 11-0 to Hereford midway through the first period.
But Crewe number eight Kirk Robinson drove over from a lineout a few metres out to put the hosts back in the game.
Scott Cann followed this with a penalty kick minutes later, and before the break they took the lead when fullback Toby Ward fed Hutchings to speed down the left wing and score.
Hereford regained the lead with an early try after the break to make it 16-11.
But Crewe showed great resolve to come back again.
A driving maul helped Robinson break away and he drove through several defenders to score under the posts.
It lifted Crewe and felled Hereford, as the hosts took control. Scott Cann produced some fine kicks to push the visitors back.
And Hereford’s frustration boiled over when a player was given a straight red for violence against a Crewe opponent.
And the hosts took advantage when Josh Collins (pictured) broke clear to score Crewe’s fourth try and secure a bonus point.
Crewe & Nantwich head coach Andy Dudley said he was “extremely pleased” with the way his team executed many of the elements practised in training to enable quick ball for the backs and control from the forwards.
“The ability to come from behind twice shows how far this Crewe Team has developed in the last three seasons,” he said.
“And that inner confidence and control bodes well for the rest of the season.”
Next week Crewe play Kenilworth away in Midlands West 1.
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