Crewe & Nantwich RUFC 1sts earned a bonus point over Stafford at the Vagrants, despite a poor first half showing.
The hosts eventually ran out 31-17 victors, despite being without the services of both regular second rows, Wright out injured and Allcock with work commitments.
Prop Evans moved back and Dan Lawrence came in for a welcome return to the first team.
Crewe started brightly earning two early penalties which were both converted by Creighton for 6-0, but Stafford looked the more positive as the half progressed.
After a lineout in the Crewe 22, they were rewarded with a try from their blind side wing forward 6-5.
Crewe started to look lethargic and rusty after a week off and another try from Stafford through their scrum half – this time converted – gave the visitors a half time lead 6-12 and the home supporters cause for concern.
In the second half, early pressure from Crewe earned another penalty converted by Creighton 9-12.
Crewe started to settle and secured good ball from the lineout which led to a miss move in the centre and fullback Ward hitting the line at pace before releasing left wing Meredith for a try in the corner, 14-12.
More good pressure from a scrum in the Stafford half saw right wing Fenney going over in the opposite corner after slick hands from skipper McShane in the centre, 19-12.
Again good lineout ball from Lang and this time a high kick from fly half Creighton saw the industrious Fenney appearing on his opposite wing to score in the corner, a good conversion from Creighton 26-12.
More good scrum possession saw the ball moved quickly through hands, before full-back Ward again made the extra man and his clever kick allowed Fenney to chase down his third try, completing a great personal performance a taking the score to 31-12.
A late Stafford score took the edge off the victory but none the less it was ,eventually, a convincing bonus point win after a poor first half final score 31-17.
Crewe and Nantwich 2nds lost 17-15 against the Wirral 3rds, but Crewe’s 3rds won 21-11 against Sandbach 3rds.
(Pics by Peter Robinson)
Recent Comments