ATHERTON CC closed in on Bolton Association leaders Elton thanks to a quickfire derby win and the league rules.

Elton were docked 14 points from their win over Golborne a month ago after the Association committee decided that the match had started after the 4pm deadline.

That was good news for Atherton who head the chasing pack and who profited from a reduced overs seven-wicket win over neighbours Astley and Tyldesley to leapfrog Darcy Lever into second place, 10 points behind Elton.

Batting first, A&T's 125-5 total provided the home side with something of a test. Fortunately Philip West continued his recent good form with an unbeaten 42, a score matched by Neil Bannister, but it was only in the last over that they reached 128-3 to achieve their win.