ATHERTON finally hit the top of the Bolton Association thanks to a last-ditch batting assault from tail-enders Ian Nuttall and Steve Dixon.

Victory looked a forlorn hope for a side which had spurned chance after chance of going into pole position.

But the unlikely double act were not going to let it slip.

Chasing British Aero's 175-3, Atherton had struggled to reach 118-8. And with only six overs remaining a losing draw looked the best bet.

That's when Nuttall and Dixon took command. They needed only five overs to slam 60 runs and snatch a dramatic win, Nuttall 39 not out and Dixon unbeaten on 26.

It all looks set for a tremendous climax over the second half of the season, especially since third-placed Golborne look to have shrugged aside their recent problems.

They beat Daisy Hill by 130 runs with Ewan McCray showing the way with an innings of 79 and a bowling return of 4-37.

But there were other heartening performances as well.

New skipper Ian Seddon hit 48 in his side's 231-6 while Daisy were rolled over for 101, 16-year-old left arm leg spinner Nicky Day picking up four wickets for seven runs. At one stage he had three wickets for none in two overs.

Astley & Tyldesley drew with Blackrod, who hit 232-6 while A & T were 152-2 in reply, pro Scott Henderson following up his five wicket bowling spell with an unbeaten 79.

On Monday (10.30am) Atherton host a 50-over match in the AGMA Lancashire Youth Cricket Festival.

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