ON SONG batsman Kevin Waterhouse fell an agonising three runs short of a well-deserved century on Saturday in a classic innings.

Waterhouse hit a superb 97 for Congleton at Mobberley in the league, losing his wicket with just six balls to go.

Waterhouse smashed 11 fours in a brilliant partnership of 148 with skipper Paul Mitchell, who was undefeated on 54 at the end of Congleton's 50 overs.

Congleton made 251 for five, but were unable to prise out Mobberley, who finished on 209 for five after their 50.

Congleton gained 15 points to 10 for their opponents to lift them one place in the league to fourth.

''We were at the crossroads at 90 for four on a very good batting wicket,'' said Congleton chairman Mike Kitton.

''However Waterhouse and Mitchell transformed our innings with an excellent partnership, Waterhouse's 97, his best this season, coming in 90 minutes off 68 balls.''

Congleton lost two wickets at 28 and a further two at 90, Adrian Dale, who is having a bad spell, the first to go for only four.

Jonathan Gray hit 24, and Rowan Kitton and Toby Miller put on 62, Miller going for 27 and Kitton out for 24.

Mobberley put on a good opening stand of 75, but once Congleton dismissed one of their openers they were never in with a realistic chance of victory.

''We got their main batsman out for 35, were always a little behind the target run rate, and were never going to win,'' said Mr Kitton.

''We were disappointed not to win, but were pleased with the 15 points, and are playing extremely well at the moment.''

Colin Mountford claimed two wickets for 59 runs off 10 overs, Jim Hartshorn took one for 37 off nine, and there was one for 38 off 14 for Waterhouse.

Toft beat Congleton B on Sunday at Booth Street in the final of an annual six-a-side tournament.

The trophy was sponsored by David Cropper from the Bull's Head Hotel, Congleton, which entered one of the eight sides taking part.

The event is in its second year, and included the Congleton A side and Mossley CC.

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