The battle for survival continued this week at the home of Crewe & Nantwich. The blacks were upbeat about their prospects having enjoyed a well-deserved victory the previous week against fellow strugglers Eccles. With the weather holding up the crowd gathered for an intriguing encounter. With the absence of Juan Smit and Sili Musawenkosi Northwich welcomed the return of Tom Husbands who would come to play a pivotal role in securing victory for the visitors.
It was the home side who took the initiative and camped in the Northwich half asking questions of the black’s defence. However, it was Northwich who broke the deadlock. A lineout on halfway popped up nicely for Tom White who went on a charge up the blind-side. He broke through the first tackle and realised there was no one between him and the tryline. C&N were unable to sop him scoring a try that went unconverted to give the lead to Northwich after 15 minutes. Five minutes later a good break from C&W gave them an attacking scrum and after some good work they scored a converted try. On the half-hour the visitors stole a lineout and went through a series of phases before the ever-present Jack Owens crossed for a try which Oscar Malik converted. There was no further scoring in the half, and the blacks were relieved to go into the break with a slight lead.
Half time Crewe & Nantwich 7 Northwich 12

Within 10 minutes of the re-start Northwich extended their lead when they won a lineout and went on the charge close to the C&N line eventually Quinlan Watson crossed the line and Oscar Malic Converted. At this point the home side raised their game and threw everything at the blacks. Reward came with 10 minutes remaining the visitors went down to fifteen men following a yellow card shown to Curtis Finnigan. C&N eventually scored a converted try after a series of attacking scrums. The commitment from both sides was immense. C&N attacked at every opportunity and Northwich were forced into a rear-guard action. With the match entering added time the blacks were awarded a penalty much to the relief of the faithful. However, the kick was short, and the chasing Tom husbands gathered the ball went on a run and kicked ahead. Husbands recovered the ball and MaCoy McGrath was on hand to score the bonus point try. There was still time for more and from a scrum the ball was moved to Tom Husbands who kicked ahead and recovered the ball to round of some great wing play. The extras went begging and the final whistle went much to the relief of the travelling faithful. Although the scoreline flattered the blacks they were delighted with the outcome. And while they were untidy at times there were some great individual performances notably Man of the Match Tshipane Mthembu who worked tirelessly throughout.
This was a dogfight between two struggling teams and Northwich know they will have to be at their best next week if they are to maintain the current successes.