PipeMaster North Staffs and South Cheshire League

CREWE'S title quest faltered at Longton on Saturday as they fell to an 85-run defeat.

On a good track and fast outfield, Longton racked up 228-6 before declaring just before tea.

Staffordshire stars Dave Womble, 54, and Mike Longmore, 32, gave their side a good start before Steve Aston hit 50 off as many balls as Longton piled on the runs.

Shiv Singh toiled away for 27 overs to take 3-86 and there was a wicket each for Nolan McKenzie, Tom Gower and Mike Hoult.

Crewe made a disastrous start to their reply, losing four wickets with only 32 on the board. Tom Gower, 23, and Singh, 25, staged a mini-revival with a stand of 45 but wickets continued to tumble. Gary Jennison, 22, and Nick Lange, 15, also showed resistance but Crewe were finally dismissed for 143, leaving Longton with 25 points to Crewe ssix.

Crewe visit relegation-threatened Moddershall on Saturday.

Betley maintained their title push with a 17-run win at Checkley.

J Cork top-scored with 36 as Betley posted a modest total of 113, but A Butler picked up 4-35 as the visiting attack secured victory by dismissing Checkley for 96.

The 24-point haul keeps Betley joint second, nine points behind table-toppers Leek.

In Division One, it was a disappointing weekend for Elworth and Haslington who both slipped to defeats.

Elworth stotal of 113 against Stone proved insufficient as the visiting batsmen knocked offtheir target for the loss of only three wickets, while Haslington were skittled for 71 at Newcastle and Hartshill who made their target with six wicketsto spare.

F Second team scores Premier Division: Crewe 58ao (S Colclough 6-7), Longton 126-8 (R Lawson 7-37); Betley 152-8 (D Lowe 48no, W Stoney 32), Checkley 215-7 dec. Division One: Haslington 141ao, Newcastle and Hartshill 168-9 dec (T Hughes 4-42); Stone 214-7 dec (S Elliott 4-56), Elworth 180-6.