CONGLETON 1st XV went down to an agonising single point defeat in their last game of the season after a superb fightback.

The first team lost 18-17 on Saturday in a friendly at home to Stoke, who led 15-0 at half-time.

Congleton had to withstand continual pressure throughout the first half, but managed to hold the visitors to two tries, a conversion and a penalty.

Stoke took the lead with a 15th minute penalty, and followed up with a try soon after.

Their second try came from a similar position, and Congleton had to hastily clear their lines on several occasions.

Congleton reduced the deficit when a dummy run by Rowe allowed Mark Jones the space to burst through under the posts, Winship converting.

Winship kicked a penalty to cut the lead still further, and with five minutes left the referee awarded Congleton a penalty try.

Winship grabbed the extra two points with the conversion to see his side take a 17-15 lead, but Stoke scored a late penalty to claim victory.

The referee ruled second row Smith offside in front of the posts at a ruck, and Stoke took the three points.