Rugby Union: Crewe & Nantwich pop champagne with Leek

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CREWE NANTWICH have joined Leek in winning promotion from Midlands Two West (North) after defeating Banbury 18-13 in an end-of-season play-off.

Victory catapults them to level six of league rugby for the first time since the club was formed in 1922.

Crewe, who led the table until a couple of defeats in January, finished second behind Leek to claim the play-off place against Midlands Two West (South) runners-up Banbury.

And victory means they and Leek will now be squaring up to Stoke in Midlands One West next season.

A crowd of up to 500 spectators saw fly-half Jamie Little serve notice of his impact on the afternoon by kicking Crewe’s first points.

Crewe were dominating possession by the time a midfield ruck left Little and Joe Gammage combining for wing Tim Cowap to score in the left-hand corner.

Further Crewe pressure had Banbury back-tracking again as Josh Collins picked up on the openside and powered through two tackles for a converted try and a 15-3 interval lead.

Crewe’s immense defensive work thwarted Banbury for a spell in the second half, but a converted try and a penalty slashed Crewe’s lead to 15-13.

The tie was in the balance as Crewe’s penalty infringements gifted possession to their visitors, while Little’s attempted drop goal was charged down to further increase the tension.

But Little had the last word after his forwards succeeded with several pick ups and drives to win a penalty which he safely deposited for a critical six-point advantage that was to eventually become their margin of victory.

Promotion alongside Leek is especially satisfying for coaches Andy Brown (Crewe) and Ian Gittens (Leek) as they were once schoolmates at Sandbach Boys’ School.

LEEK limbered up for Twickenham on Sunday with an eight-try romp to round off their title-winning campaign with a 52-17 win at Camp Hill.

Skipper Gary McDermott was one of eight regulars rested to prevent any risk of injury ahead of Leek’s biggest day in their 91-year history when they face Trowbridge in the RFU Intermediate Cup final at Twickers.

James Floyd, one of those retaining his place, opened Leek’s account by racing home for his 23rd try of the season following Dan Smith’s gather on half-way.

Luke Staton’s thunderous break then left Naz Narawa scoring under the posts before Staton himself picked up and scored in the corner for Leek’s third.

Slick handling six minutes after the break allowed Floyd to ghost home for his second, but it was in the final quarter that Leek really stepped on the gas.

James Wilson touched down from a five-metre push over and then Luke Granger sprinted home from much further afield.

Nick Palmer joined in the fun for his side’s seventh try before Naz Nawara scored his second and Sam Hunt duly converted.

Victory leaves Leek on 95 points after winning all but two of their 22 fixtures and scoring 860 points in the process.

MARTIN SPINKS

Rugby Union: Crewe & Nantwich pop champagne with Leek