ATHERTON came second in the Bolton Association clash of the titans.

A mammoth 487 runs were scored at Howe Bridge, the home side happy to declare at 242-5 in the 46th over.

But Adlington were not daunted and ran home winners with two wickets to spare.

Atherton professional Andrew Hall made an unbeaten 105 and Philip West 54, but in reply Mike Rawlings smacked 51, Mark Halliwell 73 and Andy Robinson 38 as a combination of poor bowling and dropped catches helped the visitors' cause.

Lots of runs, too, as Golborne scored a winning draw against Walshaw.

They hit a massive 279-9 with a first century of the season by Graham Marston who remained unbeaten on 103 and a quickfire 72 from Paul Robinson which included a 50 in 35 balls.

Walshaw replied at 205-8.

Strugglers Astley & Tyldesley made 175-9 against Darcy Lever with David Clare 59 and Simon Nicklin 48 as Jason Whittaker took 3-28 and skipper Tony Kelly 3-45.

Darcy knocked off the runs with five wickets and four overs to spare. Whittaker hit 58 but 16-year-old Nick Fawcett, the Lancashire U17s captain, outscored him with 61.

On Sunday the thunderstorm wrecked Association cricket.

Golborne were in action against Spring View who had reached 131-2 when the game had to be abandoned. Ian McMillan took both wickets for 17 in three magical overs.

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