Crewe and Nantwich Ladies built an important cushion at the top of the National Challenge 1 North West league with an eight-try demolition of Carlisle
Ladies at the Vagrants.
Unbeaten Carlisle struggled to counter Crewe’s pace last season, and the pattern of play was no different this year despite a competitive first half.
Crewe went into the break with a narrow 10-7 lead after tries from Katie Leetham and Millie Jones finishing off some excellent forwards’ work.
The home side were lucky to avoid conceding a second try after a mix-up when dealing with a loose ball nearly gifted it to Carlisle.
Injuries to key players slowed Carlisle’s attack in the second-half, and despite a promising break from their speedy winger and some strong midfield
carries, it was the Crewe side who managed to convert pressure into points.
Jordan Morris controlled the pace and point of attack well from fly-half and Kayla Hughes, Chelsea Hobbs and Jodie Wilson making life difficult for Carlisle with big carries.
Katie Heirene scored a good try shortly after the half-time re-start, capitalising on a Crewe turn-over through Mollie Latham, with Millie Jones scoring her second from long-range soon afterwards.
Lauren Vipond finished off some strong interplay between the Crewe backs and forwards with a try moments later, converted by Jordan Morris.
With the Carlisle defence struggling with the pace of the game, Crewe were able to grind through the gears.
Jones capped a fine all-around performance with a hat-trick and India Perris-Redding finally found the breaks she had been threatening all game with two quick-fire tries to close-out the result.
Coach Matt Baty said: “In parts this was one of the best performances for a while.
“There was a lot of frustration after our draw at Preston, so it was great to see us really moving the ball around and trying new things.
“This league is always tight at the top, so to be 3 points clear is a great confidence boost.”
Captain India Perris-Redding added: “I’m really proud of the players.
“Carlisle are a physical and organised team and we had to really work to get hold of the game.
“The last 20 minutes are testament to the extra fitness work we have put in over the summer.”
The ladies play Kenilworth Ladies in the Intermediate Cup on October 28th, at Kenilworth RUFC.
(Pic: Mollie Latham, Katie Heirene and India Perris Redding)
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