OPENING bat Tom Blease scored a patient 66 for Congleton on Saturday in a dramatic end to the season.

The 1st X1 needed 15 for victory at home to fourth-placed Mobberley with eight balls to go.

However a misunderstanding saw Sean Cardall being run out, and Congleton were all out 14 runs from victory.

Mobberley opened with 248 for four off 50 overs, and Congleton were dismissed for 235 in the first ball of the 49th over.

Congleton picked up seven points from the defeat, and ended in eighth place in the table, 67 points clear of relegated Tattenhall.

Cain Mawby captured the first Mobberley wicket with the total on 26, taking his total for the season to 25.

The batsman was caught by Mark Potts, the sole highlight of a dismal fielding display, with a number of catches going down.

This allowed Mobberley to increase their scoring rate, and they put on 82 for the second wicket.

Captain Blackburn hit 60 off 100 balls, and Nasir contributed 50 off 58 deliveries at the other end.

To top that Thompson came in to smash 77 not out from only 42 balls.

Mawby took one for 44 off 11 overs, Andy Farr ended with one for 70 off 17, and Rob Porter took one for 67 off 13.

Adrian Dale was positive in hitting 25 from 27 deliveries in an opening stand of 28 with Blease.

Blease scored just four runs from his first 32 balls, but provided an important anchor role to allow the other batsmen to attack.

He was eventually caught for 66 in the 42nd over.

Congleton stood at 185 for five with eight overs left, which quickly became 199 for eight as they chased the Mobberley total.

Mawby added 35 with Adam Condliffe, but was bowled with eight balls left and 15 needed for victory.

Peter Brooks scored 33, Dale hit 25, Farr scored 23 and Porter hit 21.

Congleton ended the season with five wins, nine draws and seven defeats from 22 games.