CREWE had to be content with a second successive draw after tough times in Stafford.

Matt Dawson and the lads were left in a huge hole after the hosts dominated with the bat, declaring on a daunting 250-2.

So maximum batting points were about the best our boys could have hoped for.

And they got them thanks to solid batting from the majority of the top order.

Despite some late wobbles, the last pair of 16-year-old David Hurst and Martin Webb kept their wickets intact to save Crewe's day.

Not a bad return after Stafford won the toss and made an easy decision to bat first on a friendly wicket.

Crewe were made to suffer for three hours in the heat as the hosts piled on the runs.

Jason Revil (40) was the first to go, clean bowled as professional Ranadeb Bose made a badly needed breakthrough that unfortunately failed to stem the flow.

Fellow opener Dave Sharp surpassed his total, making 48 before falling to Dave Hurst thanks to a fine catch from Richard Marsh - Stafford were content at 147-2.

Mansfield transformed this position into a strong one, smashing his way to a superb century with support from pro Maduhusan Acharya.

Heat exhaustion finally ended his innings on 101, retiring after belting 16 fours and a huge six.

Acharya (49no) and Robert James (2no) took them to 250-2 and a declaration at tea.

Missing in-form Nick Lange due to holidays, Marsh was promoted to open the innings with Mark Hurst but Crewe got off to a disastrous start when the veteran departed with just five to his name.

That brought Bose (19) to the crease and he helped steady the ship somewhat before becoming Acharya's first victim to a debatable decision, lbw with the ball appearing to strike his shoulder.

Joe Boyle (25) and Hurst (43) led a fight back but when both fell in quick succession, Crewe were wobbling on 99-4.

Thankfully Tom Gower stood up with a hard-hitting 35 while Mike Holt repaid his captains faith.

Batting at number six after recent heroics in the tail, he hit a cool 40 to steer the visitors towards a draw at 175-7.

Acharya made it 5-51 as late jittered threatened to upend Crewe's resilient efforts.

But youngest of the Hurst brothers, David survived the Stafford pro's final over with ten men around the bat as they closed on 189-9.

It was enough for six points for Crewe while the hosts claimed nine.

It looks a crucial derby on Saturday with a resurgent Elworth side due at the Vagrants.

Crewe then travel to Birkenhead in the Cheshire Cup on Sunday.