Crewe & Nantwich vs Warrington

This was a thoroughly disappointing afternoon out in deepest Cheshire as Warrington suffered their first defeat of the season.  With the changing rung once again from the previous week, due to unavailability and injury, Warrington never got to grips with a stern home team defence and uncharacteristic poor handling contributed to the loss.

Crewe opening the game with a simple penalty kick after 15 minutes before Shaw failed with his opening attempt from 35 metres.  The game which was played at a slow pace throughout never really sparked into life and Warrington cause was not helped when Shaw had a kick charged down and the home team were first to react and race over for a converted try and a 10pts-0 lead after half an hour.

The visitors suffered a double blow when first Jones and Shaw succumbed to injury and had to leave the field leaving Warrington struggling with the loss of their main two kickers.  Gareth Wheatley was forced to play out of position on the wing and whilst he performed manfully Warrington lacked the pace out wide they would normally thrive on.

The introduction for the first time this season of Andy Allen gave Warrington more thrust in the centres and he was desperately unlucky not to score when he was held up over the line after a blockbusting run.  Although Warrington pressed and pressed towards the end of the first half they could not find a way through the C&N defence.

The pattern of the game after the break was much the same.  Neil Sullivan was held up over the line before Allen burst through to score a try that James Farrell converted.  With fifteen minutes to go there was hope of an undeserved win against the odds but four successive poor balls from lineouts deprived the backs of quality possession and the away team never really threatened again.

In the final minute a failed drop goal attempt meant the game restarted from the 22 loine.  Although Warrington won the ball from the restart the ball was lost in the tackle and Crewe scored a try wideout to make the game safe.

Although this was the first defeat of the season the team continue to move in the right direction.  Better use of primary possession and the inclusion of a quality kicker will of course help the cause.  On Saturday Warrington entertain Southport who lie two places below Warrington in the League.  A return to winning ways will give the side much needed confidence in their quest to rise back up the Leagues.

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