Crewe and Nantwich earned a much-needed victory after beating mid-table Mossley Oak 22-12 at the Vagrants.
It was only their second victory of the season and has helped them in climbing out of the relegation area.
Crewe made a strong start from the kick off, a series of drives from the forwards found Crewe deep in the visitors half, the pressure ultimately forcing Mossley to concede a penalty converted by full back Jamie Little 3-0.
Crewe’s forwards continued to work hard giving the backs good ball to work field positions and from a scrum near the Mossley line no. 8 Gregg Saignes crashed over for a try, converted again by Little, 10-0.
But the hosts undid their good start allowing the visitors back into the game with a converted try 10-7.
The score against the run of play galvanised Crewe, the forwards again took control and some good play and patience through the phases allowed fly half Jim Creighton to dummy his way over for a great team try converted again by Little.
It made the half time score 17-7.
Mossley played well in the early exchanges in the second half, however Crewe stuck to their tasks and were rewarded with another try.
Again good work from the forwards releasing the backs, quick hands down the line saw Little tackled out wide but a cracking off load to wing Tom Fenney saw the former squeeze in at the corner 22-7.
To their credit Mossley stuck to their task and were rewarded with a consolation try at the death 22-12.
It was a much improved performance from Crewe born out of a strong display from the front five, notably tight head prop Ade Lamb and 2nd rows Phylis Allcock and Matty Wright, giving Crewe’s exciting backs good go forward ball.
Head Coach John Farr said: “After a similar start to last season, where it has been difficult to establish consistency within the squad, this performance was just what the players needed and deserved.
“They have trained hard and executed the patterns much more accurately which was really pleasing and completely belies our league position.
“Hopefully we can use this win to build some momentum going into Christmas.”
Meanwhile, Crewe 2nds lost in a tightly fought contest 0-7 to joint leaders Liverpool St Helens 2nds.
Liverpool were strong in the early exchanges and went over for an early try 0-7.
Crewe battled back dominating the scrums and matched the line outs – only bad fortune and over exuberance prevented them drawing level and even leading.
Crewe and Nantwch Ladies continue to power onwards with a fine 27-0 victory away at Didsbury HOC.
It was their 5th victory of the season in Championship North 2, following a winning performance against top of the table Sefton last weekend.
Crewe were quick out of the blocks and following some strong forward phases the early momentum sent over outside centre Katie Heirene in the opening minutes of the game.
Crewe continued to dominate possession and following some strong forward phases managed to get the ball out wide once again and Mich Belle ploughed over the line in her debut match.
Didsbury fought back with some good attacking phases from their centres and fullback who looked dangerous with the ball in hand.
But the strong Crewe defence and wet conditions prevented them from gaining any real territory and they found themselves struggling to contend with the Crewe scrum.
Turnover balls from the Crewe pack led to more forward momentum, eventually sending Ros Wiggins roaring over the line under the posts for Katie Parry to convert, for a half time 0-17 lead.
In the second half, any comeback hopes were ended when flanker Charlotte Watson went over for their fourth try.
Soon after, an oustanding pack set up Kayla Hughes driving the scrum over the line from the 5m mark to score the fifth and final try of the game.
Ladies Captain Mollie Latham said: “Each week we are building on our performances in the new league.
“We showed we have determination by the bucket load!
“It’s amazing to see all of our players, old and new, stepping it up a gear each week and playing for each other regardless of the number on their shirt, this was a whole team performance and the squad is flourishing!”
Crewe & Nantwich Colts lost to Aston-Under-Lyne while the U13 girls beat Chester RUFC away.
(Pics: Nicole Belle crashing through and Mich Belle scoring a try + Josh Mcshane (top) crashing through and Jim Creighton scoring. All images by Martyn Wilson)
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