CREWE Wolves booked their place in the RLC Shield Quarter-Finals with a solid 36-12 win over rivals Derby City.

A clash with old friends Rotherham Giants is next after a spirited show at their base at Winnington Park, last Saturday.

Played in some of the hottest weather in a long time, it was testament to the fitness of the players that such effort and commitment was sustained until the end.

Wolves looked rusty in the first quarter with their bye week all too telling but eventually they broke through the disciplined Derby defence with some good ball handling and pace on the line.

Ian Smith crossed on 17 minutes and then Aiden Cagan doubled Crewe's lead soon after.

Derby finally had something to show for their early pressure with a fine end to the first half as Luke Braddow and Gavin Morrison both found the try line.

Richard Nunn's conversions gave the visitors a slender 12-10 advantage at the break.

Crewe emerged sharper with good running from dummy half by Ian Roberts and brother Mark that took some sting out of the Derby defence.

John Windsor crossed for the hosts on 46 minutes before Cagan and Daniel Hoyland put them in the driving seat.

The visitors lacked a cutting finish to some promising approach play and when Ian Roberts crossed on 62 minutes, Wolves were through.

Peter Leonard wrapped it up with the final try to go with his four goals.

Crewe's Quarter-Final clash against Rotherham takes places on at Winnington Park on Saturday, KO 2.30pm.