Atherton's poor runs goes on as A&T stroll home

A&T's total was built on the back of a superb innings of 118 not out from professional Bazid Khan.

Being asked to bat first Atherton opened with Karl Brown and Paul Keenan and the youngsters gave their side a good start with 37 from eight overs. Brown out-scored Keenan two to one but when the latter had made 12 he was bowled by Khan.

This brought in Phil West to joining Brown and on an excellent track both began to scoring freely, if somewhat steadily. Brown in particular timed his shots beautifully and the pair raised a 50 partnership after 14 overs. After a further eight overs they had increased the partnership to three figures.

Prime form

West played himself into prime form and looked to be well on the way to his first century of the season but, after taking 30 off 15 balls, he was run out attempting a quick single. He totalled 63 including 10 4s and a six.

Phil Wakefield and Brown took the score to 181 before both were dismissed in quick succession. Wakefield made 28 while Brown reached his highest senior score, 82.

But once again the middle order failed to deliver, mustering just 21 runs while losing Diwakar for one and Marsh for a duck.

Khan took 3-71 from 20 while former Atherton favourite Steve Walsh had 2-47 from 15.

Requiring a rate of just over four an over A&T's reply was taken up by Khan and Shaun Brooks who soon had 50 on the board. When Brooks was lbw for 22, Chris Bullock added 44 before he was run out for 22.

Khan proceeded at great pace, pepping the boundary on both sides of the wicket. He found able support in Rudolf Smith and the result was never in doubt. Khan finished unbeaten on 118 with 16 4s and two 6s from 102 balls of which 45 were dot balls. Smith was bowled for 45 as Nuttall and Wakfield picked up a wicket apiece.

Atherton will have some serious self-examination after another poor result in a season that has seen an alarming slide down the table.