CREWE slumped towards a struggle in NSSC Division One after a heavy defeat at Sandyford.

Matt Dawson and the lads have to start winning matches with their position starting to look precarious at the halfway stage.

In fact the club could do with a repeat of their stunning second-half that turned it all around last season.

Improvement in the batting department looks key after a 111-run thumping on the road, last Saturday.

Professional Ranadeb Bose had got them off to a great start with the early breakthrough thanks to a great catch by Mike Holt.

However Shemitt (89) and Leese (35) turned the game around via a stand of 101, eventually ended by Bose again.

With Nick Lange unavailable and injury preventing Dawson from bowling, the Crewe attack was depleted and struggling.

Sandyford were well set to cash in on long spells for both Bose and left-arm spinner Martin Webb at 166-3.

But to their credit, the duo came back well when Chris Lange's direct hit ran out Shemitt.

It sparked a collapse with seven wickets tumbling for only 52 runs, Crewe fairly satisfied to get them out for 218 and earn maximum bowling points.

Bose picked up an impressive 6-59 while Webb provided great back up with 3-72 to put the visitors back with a shout.

Holt was a surprise choice to open their response and didn't hang around, smashing 4 fours off the first over before being caught for 16.

Opener Mark Hurst (17) tried to dig in as wickets tumbled around him and Crewe were suddenly staring down the barrel at 43-5.

Needing another escape act, Dawson (12) and Richard Marsh (17) mustered some resistance but Andrew Barnett (4-38) and Lawrence Gibson (3-21) put the hosts well on top.

Last week's heroes David Hurst and Webb tried to mount another last-ditch stand, adding ten apiece but it wasn't to be as Crewe were gone for a lowly 107.

Claiming seven points to the host's 25, they fall to fourth-bottom.

Saturday's home clash with rock-bottom Norton looks crucial, start 1.30pm.