MALPAS clung on to thwart fellow Division Two relegation strugglers Congleton.

The visitors batted first and reached 243 (Jack Scascighini 2-42).

With the loss of early wickets, the Malpas run chase never got going. Adrian Stubbs struck 27 and Keith Ricketts hit 23 but Malpas looked destined for defeat.

Number seven Eddie Barlow showed stubborn resistance, however, facing 65 balls for 19no. He and number 11 Jack Oakden formed a last-pair partnership which survived the last seven overs to hang on for a draw at 149-9 and deprive Congleton of maximum points.