CONGLETON 1st X1 went down to an agonising last over defeat on Saturday despite a club record innings by Rob Porter.

Porter ended unbeaten on 168 in only his second year with the club, beating his previous highest score by a single run.

He smashed 24 fours off 162 balls in just over three hours, but his efforts failed to save Congleton from defeat.

Congleton declared after 49 overs on 266 for three at bottom side Grappenhall, believing their total would be enough for victory.

The home side were in trouble on 38 for three in reply, but the game was transformed by a 155-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Congleton were still in with a chance when Grappenhall stood at 213 for six, but the seventh wicket pair added 45.

Grappenhall needed seven to win from the last over, and won the match with a four off the penultimate ball.

They ended on 270 for eight to gain 20 points to 14 for Congleton.

"It was a really exciting match played in very good spirits, although it was disappointing to lose," said club spokesman Mike Kitton.

"We thought that we had scored enough runs, but the fourth wicket partnership for Grappenhall turned the tide for them."

Congleton lost their wickets at 30, 107 and 242, the third wicket pairing of Porter and Rowan Kitton putting on 135 in 20 overs.

Kitton scored 45, and Adrian Dale hit 19.

Grappenhall lost their first three men with the total on 35, 35 and 38, but rallied with a superb 155-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Ian Jackson and Ron Slater were thorns in Congleton's side, hitting 84 and 66 respectively.

Roberts also produced a vital knock, struggling with four off his first 30 balls before smashing 32 off the next 24 deliveries.

Stuart Adlam ended with the best figures of two for 40, Porter took two for 47, Asif Saeed claimed two for 82, and Mohammed Sohail took one for nine.

Toby Miller took two catches behind the wicket to take his total for the season to 17, and Tom Blease took an excellent running catch.

Congleton are at home to Warrington tomorrow.