GEORGE Harding and Lew Bacon hammered centuries as Crewe thrashed JG Meakins 2nd XI.

The Vagrants' 107-run success put them up to fourth in the early NSSC League Division Three table.

Harding and Bacon did the damage as they took the Meakins bowling attack apart putting on 226 for the 3rd wicket. Batting first, Crewe amassed a total of 320-4 off their allotted 40 overs.

Chris Barratt was freakishly run out for seven early on and Martin Dawson was caught shortly after. But Harding and Bacon struck 37 boundaries with some super attacking cricket before Bacon was eventually out for 106 in the 36th over. His knock included 13 fours and three sixes.

Jamie Broadhurst then came in and blazed a rapid fire 39, while Harding remained undefeated on 129, which included 19 fours and two sixes.

Meakins innings got off to a quick start but a couple of quick wickets then turned the tables back in Crewe's favour.

Shaukat Bashir (1), Harding (3) Chris Barratt (2) and Broadhurst (2) shared the wickets, while Martin Webb bowled a brilliant spell of eight overs, (0-24), but was unlucky not to get a wicket.

Meakins eventually finished way short on 213-8 from their 40 overs.

Crewe Captain Gary Jennison said: "It was a great result for us. Both George and Lew batted incredibly well, both showed a lot of class, and they got us into a strong position at half way. The bowlers all their did jobs and it was a great win for us."

Crewe are back in action next Saturday when they host Hem Heath.

Crewe's 2nd XI also enjoyed success with a nine-wicket win over Stafford at the Vagrants in NSSC League Division Eight.

Stafford elected to bat but were restricted to 137-6 in their 40 overs with Jonathan Minshull (3-13) keeping it tight for the home side.

Josh Allman (70) and Adrian Crockett (42) remained at the crease as Crewe chalked off their target with 18 overs to spare (140-1), a win which leaves them join top with Audlem and Cheadle.