CREWE and Nantwich seconds skipper Mike Parker is confident his side can claim promotion despite a 23-17 defeat to Northwich seconds on Saturday.
A win could see the team go second in the tight Fairclough Homes Division Four South League.
But a defeat - courtesy of two late penalties - leaves them seventh with two games in hand on the leaders.
However, Parker still holds a firm faith in his team.
He said: 'We have eight games left - mostly at home - and I feel we have a good chance of promotion. We are quietly confident.
'We actually played really well on Saturday, but Northwich first team's game was called off and they drafted in seven of their play-ers into the seconds.
'The muddy pitch made it like playing on sand but, although we didn't win any scrums or line-outs, our defending was immaculate and we should have won. To concede two penalties in the last eight minutes was a shame.'
Tom Maguire and Liam O'Keeffe got the tries for Crewe, while Maguire kicked the rest of the points.
Crewe and Nantwich thirds lost 38-10 to Christleton firsts, while the club's fourths were hammered 50-12 by Linley.
