THE great escape is on for Grappenhall Cricket Club after their second remarkable win on the spin.

The Broad Lane boys looked dead and buried a couple of weeks ago but they gave themselves a relegation lifeline in Murray Smith Cheshire County League Division One by beating high flying Widnes on August 9.

They were worthy winners on the day and the same can be said about Saturday's success against Congleton.

Grappenhall had a huge total to overhaul after a mammoth 168 not out from opener Porter had paved the way for Congleton to reach 266 runs for the loss of three wickets.

Positive stroke play was what was required to turn the tide in Grappenhall's favour and that is what they produced.

James McCoy hit a quickfire 26 but the real heroics were provided by Ian Jackson and Rob Slater.

They came to the crease with Grappenhall on 38-3 and by the time they were dismissed Grappenhall had reached the 200 mark. Their prodigious partnership of 165 was scored in only 25 overs.

The tail then wagged with wicket keeper Andy Roberts looking particularly impressive.

His 34 not out steered Grappenhall to victory with only one ball to spare in one of the most exciting finishes ever seen at Broad Lane.

Grappenhall's success moved them to within one point of the safety zone and near neighbours Warrington.

They play Brooklands away at the weekend while Grappenhall's second and third strings do battle with Alderley Edge and Winnington Park respectively.

Grappenhall Seconds' relegation worries heightened on Saturday as they suffered a 17-run defeat at the hands of Didsbury.

Didsbury batted well and posted a daunting total of 206-6 but Grappenhall made a good start in reply.

A belligerent 53 from Dean Langhorne was supported by useful knocks from Steve Hartley, Mark Castell and Mark Tyerman but their efforts proved to be in vein.

Grappenhall Thirds recorded a convincing victory against Hyde.

They topped the visitors' score of 208-8 with relative ease. Opening pair Ian Barnes, 63 and Allan Brady, 41, continued their fine form while Danny Sisson hit the winning boundary to complete a half century.