LEAGUE leaders Bramhall came under fire from Congleton this week after calling off Saturday's planned league clash at their ground.

Bramhall announced the match was being axed two hours before it was due to start at 1.30pm, because their ground was waterlogged after heavy overnight rain.

Congleton were left frustrated by the decision, particularly in view of the fact that every other game in the league took place.

Each side was awarded just seven points from the scrapped game, with Congleton feeling a shortened match could still have taken place.

''We could have started the match as late as 3.30pm, which should enable you to bowl 60 overs, the minumum allowed,'' said Congleton chairman Mike Kitton.

''What really upset us is that every other club in the league played on Saturday, and Bramhall should have made some attempt to dry their ground out.

''We could have chanced a late start, and everyone at Congleton was eager to play.''

Congleton 2nd X1 came away with just eight points at the weekend after two defeats.

Congleton were bowled for only 90 in 31 overs at home to leaders Bowdon on Saturday, Jonathon Gray top scoring with 27, ahead of 17 for Ian Wrench.

Bowdon lost three wickets for 53 runs, but took just 19 overs to reach the winning post.

Congleton lost again on Sunday, this time at Poynton, who made 133 after being in trouble at 26 for four.

Stuart Adlam had a superb day for Congleton, claiming six for 15 in 15 overs, suppoprted by two for Robert Hart.

Congleton lost four men in reply before the score had reached 30, and were bowled out for 114, Adlam top scoring with 24.

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