M1s v West Derby 1s – 3-3 draw

Crewe Men’s 1s travelled away to West Derby to start the second half of the season in the push for promotion. Crewe started the game positively dominating the ball, waiting to take their opportunity. Unfortunately for Crewe those opportunities were squandered. To make those missed chances worse, West Derby capitalised on their first chance of the game. Crewe responded quickly with a well worked short corner routine that deflected in by Jack Townsend. To make things worse for Crewe and their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, West Derby clinically finished just before half time to see them 2-1 to the good going into the break. Constant pressure was applied to the stubborn West Derby defence to joy. That was until another Jack Townsend deflection off a short corner saw them equalise for the second time. West Derby quickly restored their 1 goal lead which added more frustration to Crewe and their attacking output. In the dying embers of the game Crewe won another short corner. Graeme Wolfenden stepped up to the plate to coolly flick the ball into the bottom corner to earn Crewe a point, and more importantly, extend their unbeaten run in the league. Final score West Derby 3 – 3 Crewe Vagrants

M3’s VS Warrington 2s

Top of the league Crewe were facing a strong Warrington team. Right from the first whistle both teams were eager to get the first goal in the tie. The opening three minutes were dominated by Crewe’s play, who then suddenly turned up the pace with attacks from each side. Crewe got a long corner which was played by Harvey Taylor and saw Ryan Spurrier open in space on the right. Ryan had loads of time to pick out the right pass to Dave Freeman who was certainly in form in front of goal. The ball glided across the pitch onto Dave’s stick and comfortably found the bottom right corner. Another goal for Dave Freeman and another assist for Ryan Spurrier. Moments later, Warrington piled on the pressure, Crewe were certainly blown away, but then Fin Douglas was there to tackle the Warrington attackers and halt their play. No doubt Fin was having one of his best games and showed what he can do. There was a little glimpse of hope for Warrington but, Crewe soon took that away by adding another goal to the tally from a short corner which was excellently converted by Harry Price, claiming his 3rd goal of this season. Half time came and the score was 2-0 to Crewe Vagrants. Second half came and Warrington needed to start off strong to find a way back into the game that was controlled by Crewe’s midfield Harvey Taylor and Ben Jarvis. Ryan found himself in space so decided to attack the Warrington defence which he did superbly but just couldn’t find a way past the resilient Warrington keeper. Brett Howarth took the game away from Warrington’s reach, he always knows where to be that’s why he had 3 goals to his name and why he was given his well-deserved man of the match. Crewe looked very strong throughout, with amazing tackles from Keith Jackson, Fin Douglas and Rob Featherstone. It was a very dominant display by Crewe Vagrants and sees them go into the next weekend at the top of the league.

Brooklands Mens 4s vs M2s – 4-1 loss

Having started the 2024 year with a draw, Crewe Vagrants Men’s 2 were hoping they could improve this week on their travels to Brooklands. However, they knew this would be a challenge against the team that currently sat top of the league having not lost all season. Despite this, Crewe started the game strongly, capitalising on some early Brookland’s errors and applying heavy pressure. Sadly, all the pressure was in vain and Brooklands quickly settled into the game after the rattling start, stringing together some good passages of play themselves. This improvement from Brooklands changed the tide of the game and resulted in a string of short corners, one of which was converted on the second attempt. The game settled into a rhythm with both teams having good passages of attacking play, however Brooklands took the ascendancy and converted two more chances from open play before half time, leaving Crewe 3-0 down at the break and with work to do. Following a rallying cry from Captain and Coach, Crewe started the second half strong again and took the game to Brooklands. Sadly, Brooklands were the first to make an impact scoring their 4th. This did not disparage Crewe who continued to battle hard and their efforts were rewarded. A good passage of play down the left resulted in Nathan Watson unleashing a fierce shot from the top of the D which left the Brooklands keeper stunned! Sadly, Crewe were not able to add another to their tally before the game was out, 4-1 final score to Brooklands. Crewe move on to next week determined to secure their first win of 2024.

L3s v Oswestry 1s – 3-1 win

First game of 2024 for the ladies 3s hosting Oswestry 1s. Crewe ladies started strong and held possession well and put the Oswestry defence under pressure from the start. With some great 1-2 passes between Hannah Booth and Meg Swain up the wing which lead to lots of opportunities in the D. Oswestry caught us on the back foot and got a break which put the Crewe defence under pressure. Crewe’s first goal came from a great pass in from Jackie Jones onto Trish Boffey who sent it towards goal then a touch from Emma Doughty who slotted it in the back of the goal. Crewe continued to put the pressure on, with a free hit just outside the 23 from Meg Swain straight into the D for Maddie Lycett to get on the end of and score. At Half time Crewe ladies were 2-0 up. The second half was a completely different game, Oswestry changed their game plan and put Crewe under pressure from the start. Crewe defence worked well together to stop their attack but they just kept coming back for more. With a break in play again Oswestry shot up the pitch leaving Rusty with a 1 on 1 but Oswestry managed to slip it past her to score. Crewe settled again and using the space on the pitch to move the ball around, managed to create opportunities for Maddie Lycett who had a great shot which hit a defender’s foot awarding us a short corner. Chelsea also with a great chance but just hitting the post to deny the goal. Rusty making some fantastic saves to prevent Oswestry from getting another goal to equalise. Crewe went on the attack again and with a ball into the D and Jayne Sharpe waiting on the post who calmly tapped it in for another goal. Final score was 3-1 win to Crewe. Fantastic team effort and a great way to start the second half of the season.

Sunday 14th January 2024

Over 35s 2 – Chester 4

It was third time lucky for Crewe Vagrants and Chester Over 35s teams on Sunday 14th Jan, as they finally got to play the 2nd round of the England Hockey Over 35s National Cup Competition after it being frozen off twice previously. Crewe knew they had a tough job against an experienced Chester team who they lost 6-0 to in the same competition in recent years. However, Crewe did not give the visitors any ease and began the game showing that they were ready to battle. Crewe played solidly as a team, defending well against the persistent and strong attacking play from Chester, with Player or the Match Ali Smith making some vital saves. It wasn’t until late into the first half that Chester managed to convert their chances and the half-time score was 2-0 to the visitors. A tactical change at half time meant that Crewe started the second half strongly and with confidence, with excellent plays from the whole team; from defence through to the midfield and forwards. It wasn’t long before their hard work was rewarded with two fantastic team goals, finished by Emma Doughty and Rachel Evans, bringing the score level to 2-2. Moment later, a very near miss from Crewe could have taken them into the lead, but unfortunately the skilful and experienced Chester team managed to capitalise and scored 2 further goals in the final 10 minutes. Every single Crewe player put maximum effort into the game – following on from their solid first-round performance. Chester may have ended up as the winners, but Crewe will take a huge sense of pride and achievement away from the game.