YET again the rain thwarted Crewe CC after they looked on course for victory in Saturday's derby, against Haslington.

Wilkinson and pro Mhambrey had given Haslington an excellent start with an opening partnership of 67 before Wilkinson was dismissed for 11.

Soon after Mhambrey's fine innings of 57 was ended, sparking a terrible collapse leaving the visitors on 76 for 5 from which they stuttered along to a total of 114 all out.

Brilliant bowling from Crewe's pro Kulkarni saw him take 6 for 33 off 26 overs with good back-up from Roberts (3 for 20).

In reply, Crewe looked steady but at 42 for 2, play was abandoned as the heavens opened and their rivals capitalised cutting their lead at the top of the league to three points.

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