ATHERTON produced a quickfire finish to beat Blackrod and a black sky.

The Vimto Bolton Association title challengers realised the weather was their only threat to victory.

And the in-form side ensured they were not between the wickets long enough for the rain to bother them.

Chasing a modest 89-9, they rattled off the runs for 92-1 and a handsome nine-wicket win.

Visitors Blackrod were under the cosh for 48 overs as the combined bowling talents of David Charlson and skipper Steve Walsh tied them down, the pair bowling 24 overs each in a mammoth, miserly and magic spell.

Charlson finished with 5-50 while Walsh conceded just 28 runs, picking up four wickets.

Atherton then got to work with the bat. Ian Nuttall hit a solid 25, then professional Andy Hall (35 not out) and Chris Partington (28 not out) stroked off the runs in style.

Astley & Tyldesley were helped by the weather as they faced defeat against Edgworth.

A total of 167-5 always looked too much for the Gin Pit side, and they soon fell victim to the bowling of Chris Locke (4-14 off 12 stingy overs). They were struggling at 66-7 and were somewhat relieved when rain halted proceedings.

A&T were relieved again on Sunday when stumbled to a home draw against derby rivals Atherton.

The visitors, now third in the table, made 194-6 with Hall capitalising on being dropped three times to score 92.

He was well supported by Andrew Littler, who was unbeaten with 60. Scott Henderson took 4-38.

At the close A&T were 143-8 with Simon Nicklin 33 and Rob Bennett 29 as Steve Walsh took 3-25 and son Paul 4-52.

GOLBORNE and Daisy Hill produced almost 450 runs between them - only for the rain to rob them of what looked to be a terrific finish.

Teenager Mark Penny got Daisy off to a flyer as he hit his maiden senior century, punishing the home side's bowling to score 102; they looked pretty safe with a total of 237-5 in the bank.

But Golborne took up the challenge. Carl Hewitt hit 63 off 54 balls, Nick Day 35 off 33 and Paul Robinson 44 off 39.

They had reached a staggering 202-7 - with 19 overs still remaining.

Unfortunately they could not beat the weather. And in the end everyone was left with total frustration.

Worse, Golborne slipped off the top slot, Walshaw taking their place.

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