Crewe & Nantwich 22 Northwich 17

NORTHWICH came close to sending out higher-ranked opponents in Saturday’s Cheshire RFU Vase semi final.

Blacks, 22-0 adrift, moved to within a score of a surprise victory following tries from Dorian Simes, Chris James and Jack Watts during second-half rally.

Player coach Sam Naylor picked up the ball for a final assault, but it was turned over and Crewe’s place in the showpiece was secured.

Northwich, again forced to reshuffle to cover injury absences, were second-best to organised hosts in the opening period.

Crewe edged ahead thanks to an early penalty, adding a first try shortly afterwards when they were awarded another and opted to kick for a lineout.

They won it, and Blacks’ defence could not halt the subsequent drive for the line.

A second try followed after half an hour, this time when Crewe pushed back their guests from a scrum before quickly moving a recycled ball wide for a stylish score.

Richard Dale went closest to opening the visitors’ account, but his three-point attempt struck an upright.

A converted try in the moments after the interval, when Crewe again stole the ball at a lineout and drove over, appeared to settle the outcome.

Northwich responded, Dale charging forward to start an attack that ended with full back Simes joining the line to touch down.

Buoyed, they scored again after new recruit Sione Tangi carried the ball into the heart of Crewe’s defence before it was moved right and then left for James to cross the whitewash.

A comeback now on, Jack Watts finished another fine team move – converted by Dale – to make it 22-17 with five minutes left.

But they could not find a way through to again to leave Crewe, fifth in Midlands One West, relieved to hear the final whistle.

Northwich Thompson, Tangi, Cairns, Harrison, Gavin, Watts, James, Ben Jones, Houghton, Richard Dale, Naylor, Barber, Sam Jones, Kania, Simes Replacements Cartman, Brotherton, Oultram, Vaughn Tries Simes, James, Watts Con Richard Dale