CREWE and Nantwich RUFC eased the threat of relegation with a sound 24-7 win over fellow strugglers, St Mary's Old Boys.

Captain Mike Parker was again called upon to prove his versatility, this time at fly-half, where he excelled feeding centre Tom Spowage who used his pace to bag a hat-trick of tries.

Steve Teasdale converted them all and also added a penalty goal to put Crewe firmly in control with a 24-0 lead at the interval.

The home side's tackling was first class in the second-half and restricted St Mary's to just the one reply of a converted try.

Crewe still remain just one point ahead of the relegation battle and need at least another win out of their remaining five to be sure of beating the drop.

Trentham visit in a re-arranged league meeting, this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.