CREWE Railroaders Head Coach Jason Smith is looking ahead to the next campaign after a tough return to action in 2021.

The American Football Team competed in the Mercia Conference this year, which featured Premier League and Division One opponents as well as the Railroaders' Division 2 rivals Staffordshire Surge.

While they were unable to secure a win, the Railroaders were glad their new recruits were able to gain competitive experience against some very strong sides.

Head Coach Smith said: "It was a tough season against quality opponents with the Railroaders competing with quality opposition.

"We were up against some of the country's top teams and this was always going to be a tough task for a team full of players playing their first full contact season."

The Railroaders rounded off the campaign - their first since 2019 - with a post-season game against Leigh Miners.

Railroaders showed up strongly on the trip to Greater Manchester and came away with a 44-2 success.

Running back David Davenport ran in the first touchdown of the game and more Crewe pressure saw quarterback Oliver Levitt-Allan score two rushing touchdowns.

Davenport added two rushing touchdowns and a two-point conversion, while rookie wide receiver Hus Roberts caught his first touchdown of the year.

Quarterback Spencer Burkhill then ran in for a touchdown of his own.

Joel Shields caught three two-point conversions on the day.

Head Coach Smith added: "On the day we clicked and all elements of the game came together for the team. We were consistent throughout and that is why we came away with the victory.

"We can now rest and recuperate and get ready for 2022."

Railroaders start preparations for the 2022 season by holding open sessions each Sunday from November 7 at 9.45am at King George's Playing Fields in Crewe.