Little Stoke fight back to clinch narrow win

LITTLE Stoke produced a late rally to beat Crewe by virtue of losing fewer wickets in their NSSCL Division Two meeting.

- Chris Travers

Crewe were chasing 112 for victory - and seemed to be on course as they made their way to 100-5 on the back of R Baxter's 31, F Mahmood’s 20 and 14 from S Youds.

However, Little Stoke refused to throw in the towel and managed to skittle their promoted rivals for 111.

J Ecclestone (3-7), R Irving (3-18) and S Liaqat (3-23) did the damage, with N Twidell left high and dry on 25 not out.

T Spruce had earlier top scored with 20 in Little Stoke’s 111-9 from a rain-reduced 28 overs. Youds and Baxter shared four of the wickets to fall.

Sandyford were crowned champions after sweeping to an eight-wicket win at Newcastle & Hartshill seconds.

The destination of the title was never in doubt once Castle were dismissed for just 54 in the first half.

Maz Akhtar and Kalhara Senarathne finished with 3-9 and 3-15 respectively, with Craig Leese wrapping up proceedings with a double strike.

Carlyle Collins (11) and Ethan Gater (10) made the most progress with the bat.