CREWE and Nantwich were given a demonstration on Saturday of just why Hoylake are opening up a comfortable lead at the top of the league.
The Wirral side have scored an average of 32 points per game this term, and were able to secure a convincing, if not easy, victory over the South Cheshire side.
A Crewe and Nantwich spokesman admitted: 'Whilst their pack of forwards are no more than average, their three-quarter line is in a different class. From full-back to scrum-half, all are quick incisive runners, timing their passes perfectly just before taking any tackle.'
Crewe tried to deny Hoylake possession of the ball and stuck to their task well in the first period, happy at the break trailing by just seven points after playing against a strong wind. Hoylake scored a single try and two penalties, Matthew Farr hitting two penalties in reply.
Crewe looked on course for a shock result in the second period when Andy Thompson scored a slick try after good work by Andreas Reckeworth, bringing them within two points of the home side's total.
But Hoylake cranked it up a notch and put Crewe under intense pressure for the rest of the game. The visitors defended stoutly but still conceded a further try and penalty to lose 21-11. The second team won at Lostock with a 25-19 scoreline, while the thirds spoiled Moore's previously unbeaten record with a 22-19 victory. On Sunday, Crewe are away to Little-borough in the third round of the Powergen Junior Vase. The seconds are at home to Ormskirk, with the thirds travelling in the opposite direction.
