CREWE and Nantwich suffered a shock 21-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Ashton-on-Mersey.

Nick Price's under-strength side were simply no match for the strugglers on a disappointing day, last Saturday.

The only real positive likely to be written in his notebook will praise their defensive display as the visitors endured a host of pressure throughout this SLC Division Two fixture.

Although one end of the pitch was covered in surface water, both sides agreed to play only for Ashton to use conditions to their advantage.

They remained camped in the Crewe half for the majority of opening exchanges but the visitors' defence held firm and both sides went on to miss kickable penalties to leave it 0-0 at the break.

Ashton finally broke deadlock as their pack trundled the ball over the line with their fullback converting, eight minutes into the second half.

Five minutes later and Crewe were on the ropes after a real blunder.

A poor clearance kick landed in the hands of the waiting Ashton number 3 who ran through some soft tackles to score near the posts.

Again the defence stood strong to stop several home chances short of the line but the pack drove over again at the death to leave Price and co deflated.

Still third but just on score difference, Crewe take a break from league action as they host Dukinfield in the quarters of the Cheshire Plate on Saturday, KO 3pm.

l The in-form 2nd XV continued their promotion assault with a 53-12 win over Macclesfield.