Crewe inch through to the next round with Golden Over success

CREWE required a Golden Over to book their place in the second round of the Talbot Shield at Little Stoke's expense.

- Chris Travers

The Cheshire hosts took first use in the weekend tie and managed to make their way to 161-5 from their 40 overs.

Rory Kalnins made 37 up front, while Lewis Bacon compiled 58 not out in the middle order.

It was then left to Callum Bacon to make an unbeaten 28 to steer Crewe to their final tally. James Murphy picked up a couple of wickets.

In reply, James Ecclestone struck two fours and five sixes in his 57 to form the backbone of Little Stoke's reply.

However, double strikes from Ollie Jarvis, Johnathan Bourne and Ben Jarvis ensured Little Stoke closed on 161-8.

Crewe then managed to hold their nerve in the Golden Over to progress to the next stage.

Mat Morray was in sparkling form with the bat to set up Barlaston seconds' victory over Blythe 2nd XI.

Morray hit 13 boundaries in his 106 not out to power Barlaston to an imposing 280-4 from their allocation.

Charlie Fisher lent valuable support with 59, an innings which contained six fours.

Mason Bromley also played his part with 23 not out, while Umer Farooq (3-55) took the bowling plaudits for Blythe.

Metab Hussain top-scored with 28 on the resumption, but Blythe were never in the hunt for victory and eventually fell to 123 all out.

Bromley captured 4-19 and Theo Whimpanny added 4-31. Josh Williams took the other two wickets.

Joel Minshall's five-wicket haul was integral to Checkley seconds seeing off the challenge of Porthill Park thirds.

Visitors Porthill Park were set 182 to win and gave it a good go thanks to Esa Mohamed's 50 not out, which included fours.

Zain-Ali Muhammed (23) also chipped in, but Minshall grabbed 5-30 to dismiss the visitors for 155.

Jack Ashton and Dan Amos shared four wickets to help the home side through.