CONGLETON 1st X1's dismal league run continued on Saturday as they lost at home to the bottom side despite scoring 212.

The defeat was their third in the league in a row, and was the first victory for bottom of the table visitors Grappenhall.

Top order batsman Paul Mitchell hit 97, his highest score for Congleton for a number of seasons.

However he was outdone by Ian Jackson, the Grappenhall number four, who ended 107 not out.

His innings was crucial to the visitors' victory, especially as he was dropped four times.

Equally important was a change of bowling for Congleton, which swung the match in Grappenhall's favour.

The visitors had reached 72 after 20 overs when bowlers Mohammed Sohail and Colin Mountford were replaced by Stuart Adlam and Andy Bayley.

The next 13 overs cost 70 runs, putting Grapenhall into the driving seat, with Jackson being dropped during that spell and just after.

Congleton opened with 212 for five after 47 overs, and Grappenhall replied with 214 for five in 49, winning with four overs to spare.

"We gained maximum batting points, and thought we had enough runs on the board," said Mike Kitton from the club.

"However Jackson was dropped four times, albeit quite difficult chances, and by the time Sohail and Mountford were brought back it was too late.

"This was our third consecutive league defeat, and everyone was very down at the end."

Congleton had a bad start, losing their first two wickets with the total on 10.

They put on 33 for the third wicket, and Mitchell and Miller smashed 98 in 18 overs for the fourth.

Mitchell's excellent innings included 13 fours and two sixes, and it was achieved in only 101 balls.

Miller scored 34, and Bayley ended 23 not out.

"Paul Mitchell is a class player, and he batted absolutely beautifully," said Mr Kitton.

Grappenhall lost their first wicket at four, and were 31 for two before putting on solid stands of 41 and 63 for the next two wickets.

Sohail ended the match with three wickets to his name off 15 overs, at a cost of 68 runs.

Mountford took two for 54, also off 15 overs.

Congleton claimed 13 points, and Grappenhall earned 20 points for the victory.

Congleton travel to Warrington tomorrow.