Cheema barrage kills Kidsgrove (From Warrington Guardian)

Cheema barrage kills Kidsgrove

CREWE CC strengthened their hopes of a decent finish in NSSC Division One with success in their crunch double-header.

Matt Dawson's side picked up results against lowly rivals to distance themselves from the bottom pack

An important four-wicket victory at home to Kidsgrove was followed up by a gusty draw in Norton that keeps them on course for mid-table. Professional Aizaz Cheema was in top form again as last Saturday's visitors were blown away for 84.

His devastating opening spell saw six wickets tumble with Nick Lange chipping in to leave Kidsgrove reeling on 29 for 7.

Garry Stanyer made sure it wasn't total embarrassment with an unbeaten 50 but Cheema picked up another to complete an amazing 7 for 38 with Lange (2-20) and Annu Sinha (1-13) finishing the job.

That's an impressive 55 for the pro now despite not featuring in the first seven games of the season.

Crewe looked on course for an early finish with Mark Hurst (12) and Lange (33) at the crease but both fell in quick succession, sparking a collapse to 48 for 4.

Richard Marsh (13) put them back on track before Cheema (15no) and Sinha sealed victory.

Former Northants star Jeff Cook (3-41) did his best but Crewe bagged 20 points to Kidsgrove's 4.

It looked like being a different story when Norton pro Raj Kumar (100no) and Tamsin Hussain (115) set up a daunting declaration of 248 for 2.

Again Lange (18) and Hurst (21) responded positively but wobbled at 53 for 3.

Cheema looked intent on making up for a rare off day with the ball, smashing six 4's and two 6's in a quickfire 38 to boost hopes.

Despite Sinha (24) and Marsh falling, Joe Boyle (50no) and Matt Dawson (13no) batted out the remainder to close on 187 for 6 and take 6 points to Norton's 8.

Wood Lane are next at home, this Saturday.