BRILLIANT batting by Jonathan Gray and Toby Miller at the weekend for Congleton earned them a place in the history books.

Gray and Miller ended unbeaten on 97 and 94 respectively in a memorable stand of 207, the highest ever partnership in the Cheshire County League.

The pair sealed victory at home to a shell-shocked Timperley, which was followed on Sunday by another top class batting performance.

Gray and Miller put on 113 at Alvanley in the County League Cup, but was overshadowed by Kevin Waterhouse, who smashed an unbeaten 78 in 44 minutes.

Congleton cruised to victory to earn a place in the quarter finals, Colin Mountford playing his part with four wickets for 41 runs.

''Jonathan and Toby were superb on Saturday, and batted gracefully and elegantly,'' said Congleton chairman Mike Kitton.

''They paced their innings absolutely right, and produced very polished performances.

''Everyone who saw it acknowledged it was the best display of batsmanship seen at the ground for many years.

''It was followed on Sunday by an awesome display by Kevin Waterhouse, who crucified the bowlers. It was glorious to watch.''

Timperley, one place below Congleton at the start of play, hit 203 for six in their 50 overs.

They were in trouble at 45 for three, but recovered before losing their fifth and sixth men at 169 and 171.

Waterhouse took two wickets for 66, there was two for 18 from Cain Mawby, and one each for Jim Hartshorn and Stuart Adlam.

Congleton lost their first man, Adrian Dale, without a run on the board, but never looked back after Gray and Miller came together, Miller hitting 15 fours, one more than his partner.

Congleton hit 268 for three on Sunday, Gray making 66 and Miller 53.

Waterhouse and partner Paul Mitchell took the total from 153 to 268 in the space of only 13 overs, Waterhouse hitting seven fours and two sixes, Mitchell ending 30 not out.

Alvanley were 204 all out in reply, Mawby claiming three for 48, two for 43 for Hartshorn, and a wicket for Adlam.

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