Crewe & Nantwich 16, Ormskirk 12: PINPOINT kicking from Tom Maguire proved the vital difference between Crewe & Nantwich and Ormskirk on Saturday
The young star held his nerve at vital moments to kick three penalties and a conversion to help his side to a narrow victory.
Controversial decisions by the match referee also played a part in proceedings, but decisions evened themselves out with both side's having a try disallowed.
Crewe's disappointment came first, when an exciting burst by Liam Sloyan through the centre saw him score a seemingly perfect try, but the official adjudged that an earlier pass had travelled forward.
Maguire opened the scoring for Crewe with a penalty, and player-coach Matt Farr soon sparked a move which extended the lead.
He drove forward from the back row to make up valuable ground. After being stopped the ball was recycled quickly for Lee Gray who found a gap and crashed over the Ormskirk tryline. Maguire converted.
The Lancastrian visitors swiftly replied with a try themselves, but failed to convert making it 10-5 at the break.
Soon after the restart Maguire put Crewe further ahead with a penalty, but Ormskirk again hauled themselves back into contention with a converted try, closing the margin to a single point.
Then, to Crewe's relief, the referee adjudged the Ormskirk winger to be in front of the kicker on a cross-field punt with Crewe's tryline at his mercy. A further Maguire penalty settled the nerves.
Crewe and Nantwich 2nds defeated Stockport 3rds by 22-0, while the 3rds completed a good day for the club with a 12-5 victory at Village Spartans.
Crewe entertain Manchester Wanderers at Crewe Vagrants on Saturday (2.30pm).
