Crewe and Nantwich RUFC 1sts will be playing at their highest ever level next season after a nail-biting play-off final victory.
Andy Brown’s side held on to register a 18-13 win over Banbury Bulls at the Vagrants in Willaston.
It means Crewe & Nantwich are promoted to Midlands 1 North next season – just one tier below the national leagues.
The hosts took control from the start and had raced into a 15-0 lead as Banbury struggled to cope with Crewe’s powerful pack and fast back line.
They were 3-0 after 14 minutes with a penalty, before a try four minutes later after quick ball release allowed them to dive over.
Despite heavy showers, Crewe continued to dominate and a converted try before half-time game them a 15-0 lead, a Banbury penalty just before the break reducing the arrears by three.
But credit to the visitors in the second half as they fought back strongly, and shortly after the restart their skipper went over and added a conversion to make it 15-10.
A second penalty edged Banbury closer and the large crowd at the Vagrants could feel the tension.
Banbury pushed hard for a winning score, but Crewe’s outstanding defence stood firm and were able to secure the victory with a late penalty of their own.
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