Dan's the man as Stratford survive scare to triumph

DAN Whitby claimed another hat-trick of tries as Stratford returned to winning ways with a 36-22 victory over Crewe and Nantwich at Pearcecroft on Saturday.

The Black and Whites appeared to be cruising to a routine victory, leading 19-0 thanks to tries from Whitby, Jo Cook and Jack Young, two of which were converted by Nathan Earland.

But fired-up Crewe came storming back, scoring 22 unanswered points to lead 22-19 after 45 minutes.

Home supporters were contemplating an unthinkable fifth defeat on the trot, but Stratford kept their heads and finished as relatively comfortable winners thanks to further scores from Andy Conway and two from Whitby. Drew Pritchard converted two of the tries.

Full match report, pictures and reaction in this week's Herald.