Sandyford two points clear after stalemate in top of the table clash

NSSCL Division two

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THE battle of the leading duo in NSSCL Division Two ended in a draw as Crewe and Sandyford shared the spoils.

The stalemate saw Sandyford open up a two-point lead over their rivals after the pair had started the day level pegging. Sandyford piled up 193 all out with Matthew Taylor top scoring with 47, but it was a solid team effort.

Ben Turnock (35), Kalhara Senarathne (30), Rory Smith (25) and Stephan Shemilt (18no) also played their part.

Faisal Mahmood led the Crewe attack, taking 5-44, with Ollie Jarvis scooping 3-24.

In reply, Sam Youds made a rapid 76 not out, which contained six fours and two sixes, backed up by Nathan Twidell’s 24.

Two wickets apiece for Senarathne and Smith left Crewe on 172-7 when stumps were drawn.

Third-placed Congleton continued their fine form with a resounding home victory over Elworth seconds.

The win leaves Congleton still in the hunt for a top-two spot, but they will need to make up a 35-point deficit.

They set sail to another rich points haul with 259-9 declared in Saturday’s encounter.