SUNDAY victories for Atherton and Golborne keep them in touch at the top of the Bolton Association.

But there was more misery for Astley & Tyldesley - beaten again.

Atherton scored an impressive victory over struggling Clifton by 87 runs.

They made 238-8 with Chris Partington 59 combining with Philip Wakefield in an opening stand of 96 before Andrew Hall 36 and Jonathan Hyde 30 kept the scoreline ticking along.

Clifton were always struggling despite 33 from Andrew Griffiths as Wakefield made it a game he will not forget by taking 6-58 with Paul Walsh 3-48.

Golborne are still challenging strongly in second place after an exciting victory at Lostock.

The home side made 156-8 with Chris Benbow taking 5-60. In reply Golborne were struggling at 44-5 and 74-6 before John Waterworth steered them home with 43. Earlier Graham Marston also scored 43. Adam Siddall took 4-58.

A&T crashed to a five wicket defeat against Blackrod.

They made 105-9 with Simon Nicklin hitting 33 as Terry Southworth took 4-47. Blackrod reached 58 before the first wicket fell but were never in trouble as they coasted home with David Farrar top scorer with 35.

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