CREWE CC secured fourth spot in NSSC Division One despite an agonising one-wicket defeat at champions Barlaston.

A repeat of their 2004 achievement, it's even better this time around given their early predicament.

Crewe's horrendous start to the season suggested a relegation battle was on the cards but a remarkable revival saw them transform from strugglers into a successful outfit.

Had pacy professional Aizaz Cheema been around during their first eight games, Crewe could well have been back in the Premier for 2006.

Already there, Barlaston needed to win on the final day of the season to secure the Division One title.

And they almost messed it up.

It was all going to plan when Crewe were dismissed for a disappointing total of 119.

Tom Gower opened the innings in the absence of Nick Lange and cracked a quick fire 47 to complete his impressive season with the bat.

Cheema backed him up with a fine 37 but with Joe Boyle (13) the only other player to reach double figures, Crewe were all out far too cheaply.

Home pro Sanjay Gill was the chief reason taking 6-51, breaking the league record with an incredible seasonal haul of 124 wickets.

However it was fine bowling from Crewe that almost spoiled the party.

A superb spell from Cheema and captain Matt Dawson had Barlaston in desperate trouble, claiming three wickets apiece to reduce the hosts to 46-6.

Veteran Phil Taylor (40no) tried to calm nerves in the dressing room before Cheema picked up his fourth to leave Barlaston 61-7.

Martin Webb turned it in Crewe's favour at 89 for 8 before Gill crucially hit four 4's before holing out with the score on 105.

The final pair still needed to make 15 runs but despite Cheema (5-55) and Dawson (3-41) bowling their hearts out, they survived several shouts to secure the championship.

Six points were enough for Crewe to seal fourth spot with a bright future ahead for this young and improving side.