Crewe and Nantwich 17 vs Whitchurch 37
Whitchurch were thankful for a short away trip to Crewe and Nantwich for the Papa Johns cup tie following some of the long trips they’ve had this season. Crewe and Nantwich had also had a tough season and will probably be coming to Whitchurch next season.
Following on from their last win Whitchurch opted to scatter the team with players from last years colts team. This fixture has always been a hard fought game and Crewe and Nantwich started the better with a try under the posts within 30 seconds of kick off following some mis understanding, from the Whitchurch newcomers. Whitchurch then spent the next 10 minutes in the opposition half but after losing possession Crewe ran the length of the pitch with some good passing from their backs to score a second try that was converted to give them a 14:0 lead.
Jake Bailey’s team kept pushing forward and were rewarded with a try following a good charging run from Elliot Horton recycling the ball and man of the match George Owen passed out to James Marvel to cross the whitewash. Owen then kicked the conversion. Whitchurch kept pressuring the home side and were awarded a penalty following a tip tackle on Danny Nicholas which probably should of resulted in a yellow card but referee decided to just give a penalty kick. George Owen converted again from 35 yards to reduce their lead to 4 points. As Whitchurch kept pushing Crewe were again penalised for offside just before the half time whistle for Owen to convert to make it 14:13 at the break.
Whitchurch started the brighter after the break and George Owen manged to score and convert his try to give the away side the lead for the first time at 14:20. Crewe and Nantwich weren’t giving up and scored a try in the corner which they couldn’t convert for the extras to leave them within a score if going back into the lead. Crewe and Nantwich had weight and size in the forwards but as the game went on in the hot sunshine they started to tire and Whitchurch spread the ball out wide for winger Marvell to get his second try of the day. Owen again converted. Tom Tilley was heading for try after some good passing but pulled with a hamstring problem which will keep him out for a few weeks. Whitchurch kept battling on and in the last couple of minutes Max Clarke intercepted a pass and ran from the half way line to score under the posts leaving George Owen a easy 2 points for the conversion to win the game 19:37.
Coach Andy Powell said this was a great win and he could not of asked more from the lads following going behind but earned the win with hard work and commitment. This leaves us with a home tie next week against Winnington Park in the quarter final. Kick off time is 3pm.
