NICK Lange's brilliant knock secured Crewe a vital victory over relegation-threatened Betley.

Although falling just two runs short of a well-deserved century, the opener did the business as the club took a big step towards Division One survival, last Saturday.

Leading from the front, Lange's quality innings proved essential after the hosts had set a testing total

Betley skipper Adrian Butler battled throughout their innings, hitting a decent 68 not out to set up a declaration on 208-6.

Neil Harrison (35) and Dave Lowe (27) gave him good support spurred on by the knowledge that victory was paramount to their own hopes of beating the drop.

Standing in for the injured Ran Bose, substitute pro Naveed Ashraf took two wickets and a brilliant catch to give Crewe a decent chance of chasing that total.

Lange improved their odds, hitting blistering form as he cracked 14 fours and 2 sixes on route to his 98.

Mark Spencer helped him put on 52 for the first wicket but a couple of wobbles left Crewe on 95-4.

Veteran Richard Marsh came in to join Lange in a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 78 before the hero's long vigil was finally ended.

Marsh (37) and skipper Matt Dawson (18no) took them to the brink while young David Hurst (8no) kept his nerve in a tense finale as Crewe clinched a four-wicket win with three overs to spare.

A vital 20 points moves them towards mid-table in NSSC Division One.

They can leapfrog Rode Park with a win at the Vagrants, this Saturday; start 1pm.