TITLE chasing Congleton were leapfrogged on Saturday at the top of the table by Warrington after only managing a draw.

Warrington claimed 25 points from their win to lead the league by four points from Congleton and seven from Winnington Park.

Congleton picked up just eight points from their home draw with Winnington, who earned nine to drop one to third.

Each of the sides has four games to play, with Congleton's trip to Warrington seen as a potential title decider.

Congleton opened on Saturday with 206 for eight off 55 overs, Andy Umpleby and Rowan Kitton the batting stars.

Winnington went for the runs in reply before shutting up shop at 97 for five, and ended on 146 for six in their 45 overs.

Congleton lost their first man with the score on 22, and Kitton and Umpleby put on 69 in only 14 overs to take the total on from 100 for five.

The pair were joint top scorers for the home side, each hitting 54, Kitton's being unbeaten.

Umpleby made his total in 58 balls, an innings which featured three sixes and six fours.

Kitton's knock was his second highest this season, and included four fours and four sixes.

Other important contributions came from Toby Miller, who hit 32, and 30 from Adrian Dale.

Winnington were two men down with the score on 24, and began to go for the runs at 41 for three in a bid to win the match.

However they switched to defence after 27 overs at 97 for five, and were content to play for the draw.

Malcolm Goff took two wickets, and the others were shared between Umpleby, Stuart Adlam, Kevin Waterhouse and Colin Mountford.

''We batted in fits and starts, and got off to a slow start, reaching just 54 after 22 overs,'' said Congleton chairman Mike Kitton.

''We were hoping Warrington wouldn't pick up the maximum 25 points, and our match against them is going to be a mega big game.

''We are in confident mood, there is everything still to play for, and I expect the title race to go to the wire.''

Congleton travel to Cholmondeley tomorrow.

Crewe Alex CC made it three wins in as many years on Sunday when they won the annual pub and club knockout played at Congleton's ground.

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