IMRAN Khalid's second century of the season fired CREWE to an exciting two-wicket win at Kidsgrove on Saturday.

Crewe seemed destined for defeat in the Division One clash when they slumped to 24-3 in pursuit of Kidsgrove's 188-8dec. But the 25-year-old Pakistani all-rounder, who is proving to be an inspired signing as a professional, had other ideas.

He shared a 64 partnership with youngster James Green (24) to get his side back in the hunt. The quick dismissals of Bernie Bishop (4) and David Hurst (1) made outlook bleak again, with Crewe on 110-6.

But Martin Page (18) joined Khalid to forge a splendid 70 partnership to get the visitors within sight of success.

Page's dismissal, along with that of Chris Lange (0), rocked the boat again, but Khalid continued to producefour runs short of success on Saturday.

Visitors Rode Park batted first and Paul Crompton made an early breakthrough. But, with solid contributions from David Wellings (50) and skipper Neil Chadwick (60no) Park reached 232-7 before declaring.

Lee Morris and Pete Davies had to be on their mettle to cope with Park professional Mihir Diwakeras their reply opened.

But Davies got his eye in and began to show some quality, eventually hitting 12 boundaries in his 86. Dave Palin (23) and Rob Beech (33) joined him in partnerships of 51 and 92 respectively, before his dismissal.

Elworth had closed to within 10 of victory, with two wickets in hand, when Diwakeras began the final over.

Six off the last two balls were required, but Tarek Alam could only squeeze a single from the