ATHERTON must be kicking themslves after they let Golborne off the hook in their top of the table Vimto Bolton Association clash.

The home side paid dearly for putting down five catches as they crashed to a three wickets defeat.

Atherton rallied from 100-7 to 152-9 with Ian Nuttall 24 and Jonathan Hyde 24 coming to the rescue after Philip West had scored 30. Graham Marston did most of the damage with 5-47.

In reply Golborne reached 154-7 with solid batting from Steve Woods 44, pro Ian Critchley 35 and Nick Day 30. Atherton made slight amends for their dropped catches with three brilliant run-outs.

Jonathan Fearick made a quiet return to the fold as he was out for a duck and took 0-54 with the ball.

Spring View moved into fourth spot after a 10 wicket demolition of bottom club A&T.

Rob Bennett 61 and brother Paul 32 helped A&T to 153-6. Rob Turnbull took 3-31 and Iam Murphy 2-46. In reply View made 157 without loss as Nigel Geary 70 and Turnbull 54 coasted home.

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