A SENSATIONAL batting collapse underlined the reasons behind Atherton's free-fall down the Vimto Bolton Association.

With matches drowning under the summer rain, they faced championship hopefuls Adlington - one of the few games to go ahead.

And Adlington seized the chance to go top of the table. All thanks to Atherton's incredible generosity!

In a 34-over game Steve Walsh had them on the rack with a spell of 6-38, restricting them to a miserable 111-8.

That total should not have been a problem for Atherton. And at 55-1 it all looked so comfortable.

Then came the collapse and they were bowled out for 85, home pro Matthew Taylor turning the game on its head with 6-28. Atherton's batsmen were mesmerised.

Darcy Lever had the best of the draw from their game at Astley & Tyldesley.

Darcy posted a target of 136-6 but Simon Nicklin and Ian Robinson, who each scored 31, took A&T within sight of victory at 125-7 before they ran out of time and it ended in a draw.

In the Cross Cup Atherton's semi-final with Edgworth failed to beat the weather and the match will be played on July 12.

Darcy are already through to their second successive final.

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