RADCLIFFE underlined their championship challenge as they moved to within a point of leaders Werneth at the top of the Central Lancashire League table.

The five-wicket victory over Littleborough at the Racecourse was an impressive performance and there were one or two outstanding individual efforts too.

Nick Kennedy took five wickets at a cost of just 44 runs as Littleborough were restricted to 184 for nine off their 50 overs.

He was backed up by Eddie Shah, who is having a tremendous season. Shah took another four wickets at a cost of 71 runs to keep his name right up there at the top of the Radcliffe bowling averages.

Opener Bruce Cruse was the mainstay of the innings, hitting 97 as he stayed at the crease almost from first to last as his was the last wicket to fall before Radcliffe passed their target with five wickets and three balls to spare.

Cruse was backed up by John Macauley, who contributed a tidy 33, while youngster Steve Parry chipped in with another useful innings of 15.

"It was an important win for us," said skipper Graeme Simpson. "It's always a tight game against Littleborough. Last year they won against us in a game that probably cost us the title, but, thankfully, this time it was our turn.

"We did very well. We got an early wicket and then their pro and one of the openers put on 50 odd, but when they realised they had to push on the wickets really started to tumble.

"Eddie Shah was on top form again taking four wickets, but Nick Kennedy went one better with his left arm spin, taking five for 44.

"Nick had been opening the batting earlier in the season, but he lost a bit of form and dropped down the order. He concentrated on his bowling more and now that seems to be coming back.

"Bruce Cruse hit a superb 97, which must put him close to the top of the amateur batting averages now, and John Macauley saw us through with a great 33 near the end."

Radcliffe have no game this weekend as it is their turn to stand down in the 15-team league on Saturday and they also have a blank date on Sunday.

Radcliffe seconds romped to a 78-run victory at Littleborough. Richard Farnworth hit 46, Gavin Greaves 37 and Paul Halliwell 27 as Radcliffe reached a total of 197 all out.

Littleborough fell well short of the target as they were bowled out for 119 with Toby McLean claiming 3-21, Mark Sajewicz 3-37 and Ryan Halliwell 2-16.

On Sunday Radcliffe's third XI lost at Heywood. Liam Nuttall managed 45 and Gavin Greaves 31 as Radcliffe were bowled out for 115. Heywood hit 117-3 in reply.

RADCLIFFE v LITTLEBOROUGH

Littleborough

P Deakin c and b Shah...59

A Collins c Kennedy b Shah...6

C Perren b Kennedy...69

M Fordham b Kennedy...9

C Dearden c I Hayes b Shah...7

G Hunter c Keegan b Shah...3

N Hunter c Shah b Kennedy...0

D Thewlis b Kennedy...7

C Rushton b Kennedy...4

N Grindrod not out...1

Extras...19

Total (for 9, 50 overs)...184

P Wanansinghe 14-1-47-0; S Shah 24-8-71-4; N Kennedy 10-0-44-5; S Cheetham 2-0-17-0.

Radcliffe

B Cruse lbw Hunter...97

P Wanansinghe lbw Perrin...4

S Parry b Hunter...15

D Keegan c Miskella b Dearden...7

G Simpson st Dearden b Dearden...2

J Macauley not out...33

P Hayes not out...7

Extras...21

Total (for 5, 49.3 overs)...186

B Miskella 8-1-31-0; C Perren 12-1-36-1; G Hunter 17-3-72-2; C Dearden 12-2-42-2.