Leek made the short journey into Cheshire on Saturday but were well beaten by a side that was well organised and quicker in thought and deed over the 80 minutes.

Ian Harris was back at 9 partnering skipper Gary McDermott. Jake Green and Nick Palmer were in the centre and the back 3 was unchanged with Sam Hunt, James Floyd and Jack Newton Taylor.
Jason Milner, Bobby Cheadle and John Brookes started in the front row. Ed Harrison and Phil Tomczak were at lock and Luke Staton, Luke Hardern and Andy Thompson made up the back row. The bench saw returns for Dan Needham, Andy McFadden and Dan Cooper.

The opening minute saw Leek kick off, Crewe take the ball and with patience and skill work the ball up field where the C&N No.8 went over in the left corner after Leek’s defence was sucked in. The conversion was missed but the intention was clear at 5-0.
4 minutes on the clock and Leek had responded. Winning a penalty in the C&N 22 for slow release, leek opted to kick for the lineout on C&N’s 5 meter line. A clean catch and a stopped drive led to a couple of rucks close to the line, allowing John Brookes to crash over for his first try of the season. Jake Green converted and Leek led 5-7.

It took C&N until the 13th minute to recreate the possession and patience shown in the opening minute and with forwards and backs gradually sucking in the defence, the inside centre went over for a great try. The full back converted and C&N retook the lead at 12-7.
From the kick-off, C&N retained possession, forced a couple of rucks and then ran the ball wide. Leek missed 2 tackles as the C&N centres handled well and the outside centre scored another good try. The conversion was good and at 19-7 after 15 minutes, Leek were facing an uphill battle already.

Leek then stopped the rot and enjoyed as much possession and territory as their hosts and on 32 minutes were under the posts but were penalised for holding on. 4 minutes later though and good continuity from forwards and backs finally gave space for Jack Newton taylor to crash over in the left corner for Leek’s 2nd try. McDermott’s conversion hit the post and stayed out, but Leek had done well to reduce the gap to 19-12.
Leek’s half ended fortuitously as the C&N fullback missed 3 points following an offside decision in the Leek 22.
Half Time : 19-12

C&N missed another simple kick inside the Leek 22 in the opening minute of the 2nd half as Leek attempted to run the ball out of their own 22 and were penalised for not releasing. It took C&N until the 51st minute to score their 4th and decisive try after a scrum on half way let the backs run left and with Leek missing tackles the left wing duly scored. The conversion missed but at 24-12, Leek knew they had to score next to stay in the game.
This they did on 57 minutes when McDermott scored a penalty goal for not rolling away at the tackle. 24-15.
However, C&N continued to press and on 63 minutes won a penalty for offside. A quick tap and a further penalty allowed for a simple penalty and this time it was converted. 27-15.

Gary McDermott missed a 70th minute penalty for offside before on 73 minutes, the ever alert C&N scrum half chipped over Leek’s forming lineout after a quick take. He gathered his own kick metres from Leek’s line and a forward drove over for a try. The conversion was good and at 34-15, the game was lost.

On 76 minutes, Leek were caught asleep in their own 22 as they attempted to recycle a ruck. The C&N flanker picked up and trotted over for the 6th C&N try. The conversion missed. 39-15

Leek managed to manufacture a good try in the 81st minute after James Floyd sprinted into the C&N 22. Secured ruck led to quick ball and Dan Needham crashed over by the posts. McDermott’s conversion was good. 39-22.
Leek had a final chance to score a 4th try after winning a penalty on their own 10 metre line, but a knock on lost the ball and C&N kicked it off the park to complete the win.

6 tries to 3 was a true reflection of the accuracy and tempo with which C&N won this game and Leek can have few excuses.

With this result, C&N move above Leek to 5th and with Stoke winning and with a bonus point, Leek slip to 7th.

Next week sees the league with a rest week and Leek’s coaches must still be content with a won 5 lost 4 set of results as they get ready to take on Earlsdon at EsterChem Park on Saturday, November 15th. This is followed by the marathon trip to Hereford on November 22nd.

Next Saturday sees the opening QBE International with England taking on New Zealand at Twickenham.
Please come and support the club. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.