DESPITE a battling last wicket partnership of 54 between Bernie Bishop and Matt Dawson which threatened to give Crewe a thrilling victory, the home side were finally beaten by 24 runs by championship chasing Stone last Saturday.

When Bishop and Dawson came together Crewe were on the brink of defeat on 97 for 9 in reply to Stone's 175 for 3 declared but a series of fine attacking shots saw the 50 partnership come up in 30 minutes before wily veteran Russ Flower had Dawson caught at long on for 28 with just 3 overs remaining.

Bishop was unbeaten on 35 as Crewe gained five valuable bonus points in their fight against relegation. Earlier Stone had declared just before tea with Steve Aston (69) leading the way and Kashi Rao the only successful bowler with 3 for 42 from 22 overs.

Crewe got off to a good start in reply with Simon Walton (19), Andy Mayneflower (11) putting on 26 in five overs before both were dismissed. Then three more quick wickets saw them slump to 42 for 5. Alan Clarke (13) and Tony Waddington (23) slowly rebuilt the innings with a partnership of 32 to put Crewe back in the game but when they were both out it looked all over before Bishop and Dawson's brave stand just failed to secure a remarkable victory.

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