HOCKEY: ATROCIOUS weather failed to dampen Crewe's resolve as they turned in a spirited performance against Bebington on Saturday.
Vagrants threw everything at the Wirral outfit but failed to get their reward, finally settling for a goalless draw. However, the home side had to withstand early Bebington pressure with solid defence from Mark Ritchie and Simon Oakes.
Attacking runs came from Dave Holland, who was denied by the visitors' keeper early on, while Chris Lawton was dispossessed when poised to shoot.
The home side played with the greater fluency and dealt confidently with Bebington breaks. On 19 minutes, Neil Darling had a shot saved by the in-form keeper, who also denied a great drive two minutes later from Lawton.
At the other end, home keeper Ravi Kaler replied with a spectacular diving save of his own, to ensure the score was level at the break.
Crewe again took the game to Bebington with a drive from James Capper blocked, before Steve Bourne missed twice from point-blank range.
Bebington recovered with a brief spell of dominance, finding space to break and connecting well with their passes, but Crewe were able to build on sound defensive work at the back by Ritchie, Oakes and Paul Lambsdale.
Lawton unleashed a stinging drive which would have been a deserved match winner, but it was to no avail.
A score draw was the result for Vagrants' second team as they travelled to Neston, who were relegated from Division Three last season.
The home side controlled the first 15 minutes of the game, with the Vagrants finding it difficult to get out of their own half. However, gradual persistence got the visitors back in their stride, and they were rewarded when Dave Pickthall converted a fine cross from midfielder Steve Bowyer.
A 1-0 lead at the break gave Vagrants a chance of a welcome victory, and they attempted to make the game safe with another goal.
Andrew Ticehurst went closest when his excellent shot screamed just wide. Goalkeeper Will Murphy was in good form, but was unable to prevent Neston grabbing a share of the spoils when they equalised from a well-taken short corner. Crewe thirds hit top form in their first home game of the season - trouncing Rhyl 8-1. A great team performance saw them score four in each half with Rhyl achieving a late consolation from a penalty stroke.
Paul Owen and Steve Douglas both grabbed outstanding hat-tricks, while Martin Woodhart and Neil Gibbons weighed in with one apiece.
The second team were the most successful of the outfit's ladies sides, securing a 2-1 win over Daten.
It was the perfect start to their league campaign - but they had to come from a goal down to win. Trailing 1-0 at the break, strong midfield play from Lisa Bebbington and Ruth Kennedy instigated a double strike from Pam Gilpin, which gave Vagrants victory.
The ladies' first team lost 1-0 at home to Formby, while the thirds were trounced 4-0 at home to Oxton.
