Crewe & Nantwich RUFC returned to winning ways in a tightly fought match at fellow high-flyers Ludlow.
The pack helped set up victory for Andy Brown’s team who enjoyed plenty of possession and field position.
The hosts opened the scoring with an early penalty, but the visitors leveled with a Jamie Little strike.
Crewe hooker Eli Woodward wrestled the ball from his opponent and set up a strong break through the midfield by Tom Baldwin to score an unconverted try.
Ludlow responded with two more penalties to lead 9-8 at half time.
Crewe started the second half well and scored on the left wing after a fine good handling movement allowed Joe Gammage run clear to make it 13-9 to Crewe.
But Ludlow hit back when their fullback kicked through Crewe’s defence and dived over to make it 14-13 with 19 minutes remaining.
Fresh legs in the forward line produced a wave of attacking rugby for Crewe which earned what proved to be the winning penalty.
Little calmly slotted home much to the consternation of the Ludlow touch judge who refused to signal the successful kick and was over-ruled by the ref.
Crewe & Nantwich coach Andy Brown said: “It was an extremely tough fixture and we bounced back after a defeat last week with a gutsy performance working for each other to grind out an away win.
“The support was fantastic! Our crowd outnumbered the Ludlow faithful on what is our furthest fixture.
“Al Hargreaves, who had had food poisoning late in the week, stepped up and played until he dropped from exhaustion, showing real character and dedication.
“Veteren scrumhalf Adam Smallwood, who has not played for two seasons and just recovered from injury, stepped in on debut and gave an outstanding performance to gain the Man of the Match award.”
Next weekend, Crewe host Moseley Oak who are one place above in the league.
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