TWO of the brightest talents in local cricket were on show in a game that was only decided with the penultimate ball.

Atherton openers Karl Brown and Paul Keenan are both only 16, but have already proved their pedigree with a feast of high scores at both club and junior county level.

On Saturday, opener Brown hit his maiden Bolton Association century, while Keenan added a dominant 68 in a punishing partnership that helped Atherton reach an impressive 245-7 against Blackrod.

Brown was eventually dismissed for 110, yet despite the riot of runs, one bowler was able to make an impression, 19-years-old Jack Southworth, emerging with four wickets for 63.

And Blackrod almost got away with the draw, captain Graeme Walsh coming in at number 10 to hit a stubborn 43 in a tense finish before Atherton finally won the game off the next to last delivery.

Astley and Tyldesley looked on course for a win when they had Standish struggling at 44-5, but the batting recovered led, by Mike Eddleston, who returned from university to hit 80 not out and Steve White, who added 41, to help reach a respectable total of 156-6.

A&T had a great start and had reached 60-1 before they fell apart as Standish pro Mike Crookson (4-43) and Andy Fox (3-23) ripped the heart out of the innings, leaving them to hang on at 103-8 and force the draw.