2:15pm Friday 17th August 2007
By Staff reporter
CONGLETON remain in deep trouble despite clinging onto a battling draw with Warrington.
But the CCCL Division Two outfit will take plenty of heart out of last Saturday's fighting display against the high-fliers.
Things went well with the ball as they restricted the promotion-chasing visitors to 202-9.
However those well-documented top order problems once again reared their ugly head.
Congleton were left clinging on to a priceless 10 points at the death with just one wicket intact.
Openers Malcom Agar (40) and number three James Hughes (83) provided the bulk of Warrington's runs with only Stuart Adlam (1-21) tasting any early success.
But scoring was far too slow as the hosts put their opponents under pressure.
Warrington tried to up to ante but crumbled from 145-3 to 201-9 in the 50th over after some fine bowling.
Juniors Jack Higginbotham (3-41) and Joe Ikin (2-40) impressed while Eddie Gilhooly (1-49) and skipper Paul Beaumont (1-18) chipped in.
Well-pleased with their efforts, Congleton were hoping for similar with the willow.
Despite Adrian Dale's early exit, Gilhooly (29) and Tom Blease (16) had things under control before 43-1 became 84-6.
Only some valiant rearguard action from Beaumont (27), Adlam (21no) and Higginbotham (15) managed to get Congleton through to the end of the 50 overs, closing on 166-9.
Press officer Mike Kitton saw the positives.
"At tea we were pleased with the way we had bowled and fielded," he said.
"Juniors Jack Higginbotham and Joe Ikin were exceptional.
"But we were a bit worried towards the end.
"After we collapsed, we were never in with a chance of getting the runs and the tail end batted better than the top end.
"That's been our downfall all season, the top order hasn't got enough runs. But overall it was a pleasing performance against a good side."
Veteran Paul Agar (5-48) made it difficult for the hosts.
"He's often been the scourge of Congleton," added Kitton.
"He's in his mid 50's but he's a crafty old bowler and keeps the runs down."
Rock-bottom with only five left to play, Kitton believes they can still avoid relegation.
"We need two wins," he continued.
"Only one side goes down and we're playing others in the bottom four. We're determined to stay up and team spirit is good."
Congleton travel to fourth-placed Burnage tomorrow.
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