Crewe & Nantwich - 10 Birchfield - 5

CREWE & Nantwich eased their relegation fears somewhat with this hard fought win over Widnes-based Birchfield.

Played on a pitch that, to say the least was heavy underfoot, the ground staff had worked wonders making a special effort knowing that the game was to be officiated under the exchange scheme by a referee all the way from Portsmouth. Mr Denham made it all worthwhile for he had an excellent game, firm but still sympathetic in the muddy conditions, allowing the play to flow as much as possible.

It was only five minutes into the match when Birchfield failed with a penalty attempt, this miss waking Crewe up to the prospect of a damaging defeat. They responded with a tremendous forward display rucking and driving with ferocity.

The back row of Pete Jackson, Craig Randles and Russell Harper were always to the fore and their play was rewarded when Randles won the ball in the line out for Andy Pemberton to drive forward and slip the ball to Harper who crashed over for the try. A calmly taken conversion followed by a penalty for offside from the boot of captain Jimmy Nichols gave Crewe a 10 points half time lead.

However, after the turn round Birchfield responded with some good attacking rugby despite the conditions and Crewe were under severe pressure.

It was only brave tackling by the whole side, especially Richard Thomas in the centre, that kept them out although the visitors were in turn rewarded with a fine try when their centre slid some 6 feet over the line with the ball in his arms.

It was an old fashioned mud battle that hasn't been seen recently after a run of dry winters!

Crewe & Nantwich played five different clubs on Saturday, a credit to fixture secretary Bob Christie and his efforts were certainly all worthwhile for the club recorded four wins to the single loss.

The 2nds playing Salians 2nds came out victors by 36-0 with tries by Mike Cottam (2) Keith Raftery (2) Kevin Naughton and Mike Parker who also landed three conversion kicks.

The 3rds at Whitchurch had perhaps the most satisfying victory, defeating their 3rd team 14-9. Crewe's try scorer was Will Potts with Paul McGarrigle landing two penalty goals and a dropped goal.

The 4ths travelled to Stafford playing GEC St Leonards 2nds and won 19-15 with two tries from Simon Morgan-Wynne and one by Phil Eades, James Brewerton converting two of them. The Vets went down 11-0 at Shrewsbury.

Next Saturday Crewe are away to run-away league leaders St Edwards Old Boys at West Derby with the 2nds at home to St Edwards 2nds.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.