ATHERTON aim to keep a vice-like grip on the Vimto Cross Cup.

They romped into the semi-finals with Sunday's seven-wicket win over Walshaw.

Brett Collins with 34 and Glyn Faulkner (32) held the innings together against tight bowling from Paul Walsh 2-18 and Greg Greenough 2-26 off their 10 overs as Walshaw were restricted to 128-9.

Atherton then lost their first wicket after just three balls. But that signalled the start of professional Andy Hall's innings - and he proved the matchwinner, remaining unbeaten at the end on 72.

He was given valuable support from Chris Partington who made 22 off 90 balls and Jonathan Harrop.

Walshaw pro Jonathan Fielding gave nothing away, conceding just 2-10 from 10 overs, but Atherton eased home in some style.

They are joined in the semi-finals by 1998 beaten finalists Darcy Lever who coasted to a seven-wicket win at Blackrod.

It was closer at Lostock - but the result was never in doubt.

Wayne Harper 57 and Matthew Siddall 49 made light of the Astley & Tyldesley bowling to hit 120 for the first wicket.

But, once they had gone, the other batsmen lost their way, the side stumbling to 190-6 when over 200 had been on the cards.

But A&T could muster only 166-6 despite pro Scott Henderson carrying his bat for 78. The bowling was tight but three run outs did little to help A&T's cause.

Daisy Hill pro Wilden Cornwall hit 40 against Little Hulton, never enough to guide his side home. Chasing 208, Daisy stuttered along, and, once Cornwall and skipper Mark Buckley (32) had gone, the innings fell away to 142.

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