Leighton's boot the difference as Whitchurch overcome Crewe

At the start of the week the game was in jeopardy due to pitch being underwater but thanks to a few drier days at the end of the week was playable.

The Reds arrived aiming to avenge an early season defeat in the reverse fixture but hampered in the warm up when captain Jimmy Hockenhull aggravated a calf injury and had to drop out.

The game started very tight with the Crewe and Nantwich scrum overpowering the visitors but some great tackling by everyone kept the scoresheet blank.

Action from Whitchurch's win at Crewe. Picture by Michael Wincott Photography.

Whitchurch saw Brook Hill sin binned as the Cheshire side led with an 18th minute penalty.

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Whitchurch coach Jordan Davies made a change in the front row with Tommy Hale coming on and the change paid dividends as his side drew level with a penalty of their own before the break as Robbie Leighton landed a kick between the posts.

The second half continued in the wet conditions with both sides finding it hard to make a breakthrough to score a try with defences mostly on top.

Whitchurch pressure led to a penalty some 35 metres out which Leighton converted via the bar.

Action from Whitchurch's win at Crewe. Picture by Michael Wincott Photography.

This spurred Crewe on and the home side celebrated the only try of the game to edge ahead with half an hour remaining.

Both sides cancelled themselves out for the next 25 minutes but the Crewe defence were penalised again on 65 minutes for Leighton to successfully kick Whitchurch back in the lead. 

Crewe had a glorious chance to retake the lead when there backs worked well together but managed to knock the ball on with the last pass as Whitchurch held firm to celebrate a fine start to the year.

Saturday will see Whitchurch at home to Isle of Man visitors Douglas with an early 1pm kick off as Davies’ men bid to maintain their bright opening to 2024.