CREWE Wolves turned in a season's best despite losing 50-30 to Liverpool Buccaneers.

It may be three on the trot for Ian Roberts' side but they'll take plenty of heart out of this performance, pushing the league leaders all the way, last Saturday.

Despite being forced to play at Runcorn, losing home advantage didn't affect the Wolves as they stormed into a 12-0 inside seven minutes.

Skipper Paul Flannery crossed the line twice after flowing handling with Mark Foster adding two goals, one a penalty.

Stand-off Steve Brown got Liverpool back on track with a brace while Liam Appleton and James Lacey also made it over the line.

However Crewe were still well in it, prop Paul Bagley forcing his way over to reduce the arrears to just 18-20 at the break.

Action continued into the second half with the Buccs reasserting themselves as Brown doubled his tally to four tries while half back partner Andy Williams also crossed.

Wolves man-of-the-match Andy Smith replied after determined challenges from Jack Warrington, Bagley and Simon Walter with full-back Neill McGregor producing some stunning last gasp tackles.

But Liverpool powered away in the later stages through both Parker and Brown although Crewe's Jack Warrington had the final say of a thrilling game, storming in on the right.

"Crewe posted their best collective performance so far this season and can look forward to the rest of the season and a cup run," said a club spokesperson.

They head back to Runcorn to take on the Vikings, this Saturday.