Sandyford and Crewe complete missions by making the step up

SANDYFORD and Crewe were left celebrating after winning promotion from NSSCL Division Two at the weekend.

- Chris Travers

Table-topping Sandyford defeated third-placed Congleton seal their elevation, while that result meant that Crewe’s success over Norton in Hales also confirmed that they will be stepping up.

The promoted pair who are separated by 18 points will now battle it out for the title in the last two weekends of the season.

Sandyford continued their quest for the crown by ending Congleton’s own aspirations of reaching the top two.

Congleton, who joined the NSSCL this season, were skittled for just 81 on their road trip at the weekend.

Jake Wilshaw (22) and Tom Courtney (18) offered the primary resistance, but Sandyford’s bowlers were in tiptop form.

Matthew Taylor and Maz Akhtar claimed 4-24 and 3-2 respectively, with Kalhara Senarathne striking twice.

Guy Baxendale scooped 3-25 on the resumption, but Sandyford made their way to a five-wicket win.

Club legend Jonathan Barnett fittingly played a key part in the victory as he made 28 not out, backed up by 13 apiece from Taylor and Craig Leese.

Crewe booked their place up the league ladder by winning at home against Norton in Hales seconds who, in the process, were relegated.