Crewe and Nantwich 8 Anselmians 5

CREWE and Nantwich turned in the best display of the season to ruin Anselmians' unbeaten record on Saturday.

The visitors arrived in South Cheshire having won all of their 16 league games this season and needing just one more win to be certain of promotion.

But for Crewe the stakes were also high as they chase the second promotion spot, and they refused to be overawed by the league leaders and went all-out to spoil their party.

The Wirral team opened the scoring in controversial circumstances. Crewe winger Ashley Blakemore was having his fingers strapped up by the physio but the referee refused to halt play.

Anselmians took advantage of the resultant gap in the home defence and their winger went over unopposed. That unconverted try completed the first-half scoring, but Crewe piled on the pressure after the restart.

They won a scrum 10 yards out and incisive passing allowed Blakemore the satisfaction of scoring in the corner to level matters. The conversion attempt was missed, but Danny Lynch made amends with a late penalty to hand his side maximum points.

The only sour note of the day was that Oldershaw crushed Ruskin Park 44-12 to keep a firm grip on second spot.

Crewe must win their remaining five games and hope they slip up.

A club spokesman said: 'Although tries and points were in short supply, the play was intense and contained no little skill. Everything was kept in check by a referee very much in charge.

'There can be little doubt this was our most accomplished display of the season. The pack played magnificently - always having the edge over the visitors and giving the half-backs time to dictate tactics with a good supply of ball.

'Our three quarters certainly played their part for the Anselmians' attackers were strong, direct and fast. But brave tackling kept them at bay.'

Crewe and Nantwich seconds beat Whitchurch thirds 20-7, with tries from Stuart Banks, Ainsley Cooper and Tom Spowage, while Tom Maguire landed a penalty and conversion kick. The thirds lost to Northwich thirds.

On Saturday, the first team travel to Wallasey to play in a re-arranged league game. The seconds are yet to have a game confirmed, while the thirds are at home to Bowdon.

Crewe and Nantwich U13s enjoyed a record win against Congleton U13s on Sunday.

The whopping 72-0 scoreline came courtesy of tries from Sean Harper (2), Ian Merrill (2), Ben Widdowson, Ross Cooper (2), Chris Harris, Alex Orme (2), Kieran Flynn, and Gareth Woodward. Scott Cann kicked four conversions while Flynn got two.