Batsmen smash Wood Lane (From Warrington Guardian)

Batsmen smash Wood Lane

TOP-notch batting got Crewe CC through to a superb seven-wicket victory over high-flying Wood Lane.

Nick Lange, Tom Gower and Mark Hurst all weighed in at the Vagrants to boost chances of a strong finish in NSSC Division One.

After heavy rain delayed the start until 4.15pm, the visitors went for it with a declaration on 175 for 4 in a reduced allocation of 31 overs.

Wood Lane were up and running thanks to former Indian test player Abby Kuravilla who smashed an unbeaten 90 while ex-Staffs opener Jamie Jervis added 52 to the total.

Aizaz Cheema made it 58 for the season with figures of 2-48 with Matt Dawson (2-17) also tasting success with the ball.

Crewe had just 30 overs to chase an unlikely victory but Lange and Hurst (36) gave them a chance with a brilliant partnership of 108 from just 16 overs.

Gower replaced Hurst and kept them on the right track with a quick fire 45 before being bowled with the host now favourites.

Although Cheema went for a duck, Lange saw them home with an unbeaten 75, including 10 boundaries, to get the job done in only 27 overs.

Another 20 points in the bag sees Crewe maintain a stunning second half to the season while Wood Lane had to be happy with six.

They should continue the trend at struggling Caverswall, this Saturday.