CREWE CC became the towns' first grassroots sports club back into competitive action when they started the North Staffs and South Cheshire League season with a seven-wicket defeat at Moddershall and Oulton.

Clubs were given the go-ahead to restart at amateur level a week ago on the proviso strict safety guidelines laid down by the ECB are adhered to. The NSSC League is among the first to start up again after the relaxation of lockdown and is following a truncated format.

As well as social distancing, the guidelines require cricketers to clean their hands and the match ball every six overs, not apply sweat or saliva to the ball and clean their bats. Clubs have to keep a record of people attending matches and club house facilities are restricted.

In their opener Crewe posted a total of 106-7 in a reduced 25-over Division Three fixture. Opener Chris Barratt top scored with 39, getting support from Louis Bacon (31) with the pair putting on 78 for the third wicket.

But Moddershall and Oulton's 2nd XI overhauled the Crewe total with more than two overs to spare and seven wickets standing helped by opener Jono Whalley's 39. Crewe registered five points in defeat.

While they were able to beat the weather for a finish across the border in Staffordshire, back at the Vagrants Crewe's 2nd XI's opening day Divsion Eight fixture against league newcomers Audlem was rained off.