CREWE Vagrants made the perfect start to the season in a 3-1 victory at Formby.

With several new faces in the side, the 1st XI made an encouraging start to their NHL Division Two West campaign, last Saturday.

End-to-end action summed it up early doors with Andrew Ashworth denying the hosts with two crucial blocks while Simon Trenbirth, Rob Jepson and Henry Weir combined to go close on the counter.

Dave Holland's thunderous drive was cleared off the line while the same man set up James Capper for an effort that ended just wide.

Crewe keeper Graham Coombs made a diving stop to keep them on course with the deadlock finally broken on 29 minutes.

Pressure had built with chances for Ashworth and Holland and it paid off when Trenbirth pounced on a loose ball and netted from close range for 1-0 at the break.

Formby resurfaced menacingly and were quickly back in the match with an angled short corner drive, stinging Crewe into an immediate response.

After Capper's initial effort was blocked, Ashworth dribbled neatly through for a 2-1 lead.

Great stops from Jon Woodhart and Paddy Lease kept Formby at bay before Ashworth unleashed a fierce short corner to extend Crewe's advantage.

Three heroic saves from Coombs spared Vagrants any anguish while Trenbirth, Ashworth and Capper all had late chances to extend the winning margin.

Fourth in Division Two West, the 1st XI entertain City Of Manchester on Saturday, start 1.30pm.

It was not so good for the 2nd XI who lost their opening day clash at Carlisle.

The home side completed a 4-0 rout in NWHL Division Four.

They will look to bounce back at home to Daten, start 12pm.

Crewe's 3rd XI also suffered defeat, losing 3-0 at City of Manchester.

The first half was evenly balanced with Paul Owen hitting the post for the Vagrants and two decent efforts drifting just wide of the mark.

But it was the hosts who edged ahead via a scrappy goal off a corner.

Manchester exerted further pressure after the break and as Crewe pressed forward for an equaliser, they got caught twice on the break.

They entertain Bowdon on Saturday, start 2.30pm.

The 4th XI opened their Division Eight South campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to South Cheshire.

After a goalless first half, the visitors drew first blood before Dave Watson levelled through a penalty flick.

Rejuvenated, Crewe went all out with Jonathan Pinkney netting his one-on-one with the keeper for victory.

Michael Kay's superb late save made sure Vagrants claimed all the points.

They travel to Wrexham on Saturday.

The Ladies 1st XI face Lytham St Annes at home in a friendly encounter on Saturday, start 3pm.