CREWE CC rounded off their shortened NSSC League campaign with a six-run defeat against high fliers Stone seconds.

George Gay (23) and Chris Barratt (35) drew Crewe close to the visitors' total of 185-4, but once they were removed in a flurry of three wickets Crewe fell short of their target on 179-9 from their 40 overs.

Lew Bacon (24) and Martin Webb (25) also made contributions, while Crewe's best bowling figures were turned in by Barratt with 2-31.

The defeat means Crewe finish the truncated season second from bottom. But their haul of five wins from their 11 games would have seen them finish much higher up the table had they not been penalised for breaching a league rule and deducted 36 points.

With no relegation or promotion in operation this season Crewe will stay in Division Three.

Next term promotion/relegation will feature again and the NSSC League is also introducing a raft of new match rules, including retaining the win/lose format for the opening and closing weeks of the season (40 over games in Crewe's division) with a win/lose/draw format over 45 overs for the middle part of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Crewe's second XI finished off in third spot in Division Eight, rounding off their season with a nine-wicket win at Porthill Park fifths.

Zach Chambers took three wickets and Josh Allman and Steven Bickerton two apiece as Porthill were skittled for 121 in 33 overs. Crewe knocked off the tally in the 24th over with only Andrew Boffey (32) departing to the pavilion.

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Max Gay (45) and Stuart Elsam (32) were unbeaten at the close (123-1).

The seconds won seven of their 11 fixtures, while Audlem firsts topped the table.