ATHERTON took full advantage of the Big Rain to step up their Bolton Association title bid.

There was not a ball bowled in Golborne's game against lowly Astley & Tyldesley, nor in Walshaw's match against Clifton, leaving the way open for Atherton to close the gap.

And they reeled in second-placed Golborne and will be within striking distance of leaders Walshaw if they can produce a victory when the two meet in a fortnight.

Little Hulton set Atherton a target of 144-7, Greg Greenough taking 5-49.

That was no problem as they passed the target in just 18.3 of their 34 overs, Ian Nuttall starring with 88 not out and Philip West impressing with an unbeaten 45.

A week earlier . . .

Atherton's stubborn tail left Lostock frustrated as they looked to be headed for a shock win. Defending a total of 144-4, Lostock had Atherton on the ropes.

But ninth wicket pair Steve Walsh and teenager Ian Pendlebury defied the home bowlers for 10 overs. Lostock finally removed Walsh with only two balls remaining, but that left Lostock no time to force a win.

Bottom but unbowed! That's defiant A&T, who won the basement battle against Daisy Hill but still remain anchored in last place. Daisy were held to 146 as Scott Henderson took 4-51 and Rob Bennett 3-22; in reply A&T reached 147-7 with pro Henderson 52 and Simon Nicklin 34.

Golborne got away with the draw after Blackrod had threatened to take winning points. Golborne were 180-8 with Ian Critchley 51 while Blackrod replied with 159-8. Critchley rounded off a good match with 4-43.

LEIGH U15s beat Newton-le-Willows by 31 runs. They made a bad start, losing both openers cheaply. But Stephen Young (20) and Michael Eccles (35) steadied the ship for a respectable 106-9; McKinstry, Jolley, Savka, Wood and Winstanley all took wickets.

GLAZEBURY CC won easily at Shell Westminster Park.

They dismissed the home side for 142, Simon Green picking up 4-34 in an inspired spell, then cantered to 143-3, opener John Acton hammering 45 supported by Jon Gibbons 37 and skipper Gareth Banks, unbeaten on 31.

Glazebury 2nd also won in some style. They blasted 181 with Ian Black hitting a whirlwind 96, the side helped by juniors David Gibson, Joe Glynn and Dean Standish, then dismissed Shell for 116.

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