CONGLETON 1st X1 face a huge task tomorrow against promotion-chasing Widnes as they stare relegation in the face.

Congleton slipped to second from bottom, one of the two relegation places, on Saturday following defeat by third-placed Toft.

They are level on points with Grappenhall, who won for the fourth game in a row, with each side having two games left.

Brooklands are two points ahead of Congleton, having been beaten by Warrington, who are one point ahead of Brooklands.

Congleton are at home tomorrow to Widnes, who thrashed Cheadle Hulme on Saturday, scoring 174 without loss.

Grappenhall travel to leaders Poynton, Warrington are at bottom side Heaton Mersey and Brooklands are at home to Toft.

Congleton opened with 147 for nine against Toft, who badly needed a win to maintain their promotion hopes, and replied with 149 for five.

"Our batting performance was again disappointing, with the exception of Andy Farr and Rob Porter," said club spokesman Mike Kitton.

"The middle order collapsed, and we picked up only four batting points compared to the 10 we were looking for."

Farr top scored with 45 and Porter hit 43, the pair producing the top stand of 29 for the sixth wicket.

Asif Saeed scored 14 off 13 balls, and six batsmen were out for single figures.

Congleton bowled well despite the defeat, Steven Farr taking three wickets for 30 off 13 overs, and one wicket for 17 off 12 overs for Stuart Adlam.

The other wicket went to Colin Mountford.

Toft were in some trouble after losing their three top batsmen with the score on 41, but rallied with two good stands, and reached their target with six overs to spare.

"Widnes will be out to win tomorrow, and are a very strong batting side," said Mr Kitton.

"Our batsmen have to knuckle down and scrape as many runs as they can.

"There is a good chance we can stay up provided the batsmen score more than they are doing at the moment."

Congleton were in third place half way through the season, but they have gone eight games without a win.