CONGLETON 1st XV earned a vital victory on Saturday in their bid to escape the drop.

Congleton beat Douglas 19-10 at home, and are third from bottom, with two sides due to go down.

Second from bottom Eagle could swop places with Congleton, but to do so have to win their last two games, one of which is against the leaders.

Stan Handley put Congleton ahead with a try on the half hour, converted by Mark Winship.

Douglas kicked a penalty five minutes later, and Congleton scored a second try a minute before the interval through Andy McNulty.

Douglas made it 12-10 in the 79th minute with a converted try, but Matt Johnson touched down for Congleton in injury time for a converted try.