First league loss of the season for Ladies

Southport Ladies travelled to a chilly Crewe and Nantwich this week into the unknown.
With the ladies flying high in the league, a win a Crewe would stretch their lead at the top, however, it was not meant to be. Both teams started well but Crewe claimed the ball and passed it down the backs (with the help of an unseen knock on) to their speedy winger who cut through the southport defence to score under the posts. The conversion scored.
Southport continued to play their game but were turned over and again the ball found the Crewe winger who outpaced everyone and scored in the corner.
Determined to put points on the board, the ladies persevered and put huge pressure on the Crewe pack in the scrums. Some strong, if not over committed rucking helped southport to piece together some forwards play and they began to rumble up the pitch. Claire Stewart and Lauren McCluskey coming close. However, as was the case with the previous 2 tries, Crewe managed to regain possession of the ball, pass it to the winger and allow her to score. This was the case with the last try Crewe would score and one more conversion for them took the score to 24-0.
A potential neck injury saw the clock stop for a while and, right on cue, the rain started to fall. With only 5 or so minutes left on the clock, Southport were asked if they wanted to call time on the game. A united 'no' resounded and the game was moved to the pitch next door.
Persistence paid off and Southport were rewarded a try by Natalie Burns.
Final score 24-5