CREWE fell five runs short at Hem Heath in a nail-biting finish in their NSSC Division Three clash.

George Harding carried his bat for an impressive 118 as Crewe chased the North Staffs side's total at the Vagrants Sports Complex.

Hem Heath's 2nd XI elected to bat first and an 82 run opening stand set the tone as the runs flowed. The visitors finished on 266-3 off their 40 overs with Ben Rogerson top scoring with 130 not out and Chris Barratt the pick of the Crewe bowlers (2-31).

Crewe struggled early on and slumped to 69-5 before a 63-run sixth wicket partnership between Gary Jennison and Harding started the fight back. Jennison fell eventually for 39, but Harding batted on with support from Martin Webb (26) and Josh Allman (15).

But Daniel Bull was run out at the end of the penultimate over as Crewe were all out for 261.

Crewe 2nd XI made it three wins in a row with a big 97-run victory at Porthill Park 5th XI.

A second-wicket partnership of 118 between Adrian Cockett (122) and Dan Starnes (45) set the foundations and Crewe reached an impressive 242-8 in their 40 overs.

Porthill struggled in reply and were skittled out for 145 with Thuva Murali impressing with bowling figures with 3-11.

Crewe remain joint third in the NSSC Division Eight table.

On Sunday, Crewe 3rd XI beat Newcastle and Hartshill Sunday XI by seven wickets. Steve Neale (4-32) and Conor Howard (3-14) did the damage as Newcastle and Hartshill were all out for 133.

Crewe lost Alex Howard first ball of their innings, but Lew Bacon steadied the ship and went on to compile an unbeaten 106, including five sixes, which steered his side to their target (137-3) in the 35th over.