CRICKET captain Paul Mitchell and spin king Malcolm Gough have put in form Congleton in the driving seat in the title run-in.

Mitchell scored 85 and Gough took five wickets on Saturday to lift their side to the top of the table with six games to go.

Congleton scored an easy victory at doomed Ashton on Mersey, to earn them a four-point lead over second-placed Winnington Park.

Congleton picked up 25 points to 20 for Winnington, who also won, and third-placed Warrington, five points behind Congleton, could manage only a draw.

The title looks to be between these three, and victory for Congleton home and away against Winnington and Warrington respectively could secure the championship.

''We've won six out of the last seven games after losing three on the trot, and the change round has been dramatic,'' said Congleton chairman Mike Kitton.

''We have a very good chance of winning the league, although it's easier to get to the top than to say there.

''We have the best balanced side in the league, and are looking to win the title.

''It's just a matter now of maintaining our momentum and concentration.''

Congleton opened by declaring at 238 for four against bottom side Ashton, who are still looking for their first win this season.

Adrian Dale and Mitchell put on a season's best opening stand of 136, with Mitchell hitting nine fours and two sixes from his 85.

Dale also hammered nine fours in his knock of 62, although the most memorable innings went to Kevin Waterhouse, who smashed 48 off 19 balls in 19 minutes, including five fours and three sixes.

Toby Miller was 25 not out as Congleton declared after 43 overs, leaving them 57 to get Ashton out.

Ashton were 44 for two before losing five men for the addition of four runs, and were all out for just 83.

Left arm spinner Gough claimed a season's best five for 25 off nine, Stuart Adlam and Jim Hartshorn took two each, and there was a wicket for Waterhouse.

Congleton are at Hale Barns tomorrow, and the match starts at 1.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.