THE Farnworth Winter Rounders League reached its conclusion this week but, because of a shortage of referees, only the two matches of consequence were played.

League leaders Adlington took on third-placed Hanson A, while second-placed FSCCC played the unpredictable Blades Barbers.

FSCCC stared defeat in the face as they trailed by 16 runs after the first innings, but they turned on the style in the second innings, aided by eight rounders, to win by 19 runs.

Adlington, having lost last week, had to avoid defeat to become champions, but they made a poor start against a determined Hanson side and lost four batters and scored just seven runs in the first round.

Hanson, on the other hand, scored 23 without loss at the same point in their innings and were 105-67 ahead after the first innings.

Although Adlington bettered their opponents by five runs in the second innings, it was not enough to avoid defeat, so they have finished level with FSCCC to tie the championship.

They will now settle the title with a play-off game, expected to be held on the same day as the Bolton Champions Tournament at Horwich.