WARRINGTON'S dismal run in Murray Smith Cheshire County Cricket League Division one continued as they were soundly beaten by visiting Congleton.

It was Warrington's third substandard performance in a row and they must do something soon to stem this tide of defeat or else relegation to Division Two will be a strong possibility.

Warrington batted first at Walton Lea on Saturday and were bowled out for 93 with only four batsmen hitting into double figures. Top scorer was Paul Agar with 14.

Congleton knocked the required runs with little fuss, highlighting the fact that the home side had batted poorly and had no cause to blame their troubles on the wicket.

Warrington Seconds came desperately close to a third successive victory, away to Didsbury.

Dyson, 72 and Rothwell, 65, gave Warrington a great start with a first wicket partnership of 151 runs. Deeks, 39, took up the challenge and Warrington were able to post a declaration total of 224 runs for nine wickets.

Didsbury looked to be cruising to victory at 185-3 with 14 overs remaining but Houghton's off spinners and Dyson's swing bowling applied the brakes.

Didsbury needed five to win in the final over and achieved victory off the last ball with one wicket remaining.

Warrington Thirds went to league leaders Neston in good spirits and opening bowlers Cockburn and Chapman reduced Neston to 35-5 and consolidated those feelings.

From then on, however, it was downhill as Chris Preston-Jones sprayed the Warrington bowling all over the place to turn the innings to 204-8. Chris Cockburn bowled well in his 20 overs stint for figures of five wickets for 60 runs.

The demanding run rate was met but a mix of bad luck, bad batting and good bowling and fielding saw wickets fall at regular intervals and Warrington never challenged despite valiant innings from Nick Chapman and Derek Bate.

Warrington Fourths' only respectable batting score against Timperley at home came from Mike Cornelia, who struck 38 runs. Warrington were all out for 127.

Warrington then took to the field one man short and Timperley began to find the holes.

Warrington worked hard but with a bit of loose bowling by all except Amir Rashid, Timperley knocked off the runs in 37 overs.