FARNWORTH'S resurgence continued unabated after they went to the top of the league with a 78 runs win over Kearsley.

Professional Brenton Parchment was again in the runs with 90 out of his side's 265-7, but it was far from a one man show with David Tonge scoring 53 and Simon Booth and Elgan Patel both hitting 32. In reply Kearsley were bowled out for 192 despite an unbeaten 62 from peter Morris and 46 from Chris Monks. Tim Barrow did the damage taking 6-40 with good support from Paul Grundy who had 3-35.

Egerton's prolific batsman Dheeraj Jadav hit 94 but it was to prove in vain as his side could only muster 171 against third place Walkden, with Bernard Reidy taking 4-47. It was never enough against Walkden's batting line-up and they coasted home by seven wickets, with David Smith 47 and Mike Bennison unbeaten on 74.

Tonge had little trouble in disposing of Horwich, who they bowled out for 154 with pro Nisar starring with the ball for a change taking 6-64. In reply Tonge cruised home by six wickets with Simon Anderton at the helm with an unbeaten 69.

Farnworth Social Circle ensured Little Lever lost top spot and now trail the leaders by 10 points with a nail-biting victory by just one wicket.

Little Lever were dismissed for 173 with David Parkinson taking 4-39 and Circle's pro Kurt Wilkinson 5-53. Professional Kamran Sajid, playing his first game of the season after his arrival from Pakistan was delayed, made a sound start with 43. He then grabbed 5-63, but Circle squeezed home with the last two batsmen at the wicket.

Heaton looked to be coasting to a victory before they were denied by Bradshaw's eighth wicket partnership.

Heaton made a solid 242-9 with Danny Guest leading the way with 50, but Bradshaw held on for a draw at 194-9 with Mark Ward top scorer on 40. Matt Dearden and Danny Partington hung around for 14 overs for the eighth wicket to frustrate Heaton.

Astley Bridge added to Westhoughton's frustrations by also hanging on for a draw.

The visitors made 236-8 with Steve Parker 41 and Paul Atherton 79, but despite 3-20 from Ali Hassan, Westhoughton could not bow out Bridge who had Andy Northrop as top scorer on 58.

Greenmount had few problems accounting for Eagley by 84 runs. The visitors made 255-9 with Andy Kerr 53, Shetty 41, Andy Bowker 30 and a whirlwind unbeaten 40 from Mark Stewart.

In reply Eagley were dismissed for 171 with David Shuittleworth 34 and young Robinson 36 not out. Ryan Senior's off-spin accounted for 4-29.