sink 1st XV

CONGLETON'S rugby men snatched defeated from the jaws of victory on Saturday by conceding a string of last-gasp tries.

The 1st XV were leading 15-5 with only five minutes to go of their home league encounter against Newton Le Willows.

This was an important game for Congleton, having played two lost two in their new campaign.

Congleton started well, but basic errors at early stages ensured they failed to get close to the try line.

Mistakes crept into Congleton's play, and on 20 minutes following a missed tackle Newton burst through for the first try of the game.

The try was unconverted, and Congleton rallied seconds later when Mark Jones crashed over for a try converted by Mark Winship.

Congleton grew in confidence, and Winship slotted over a penalty 15 minutes later to give his side a 10-5 half-time lead.

Congleton scored their second try on 55 minutes from Jones, following a quickly-taken penalty.

The try was unconverted, and Congleton looked set for a comfortable 15-5 victory.

However Newton crashed over under the posts with five minutes to go for a converted try to reduce the deficit to 15-12.

The visitors took a 17-15 lead a minute before the end with a further try, and they made it 22-15 in the dying seconds with another touchdown.

Congleton travel to Eagle tomorrow in the Junior Cup.