ELTON, Darcy Lever and Atherton continue to slug it out at the top of the Bolton Association after all three won on Saturday.

Leaders Elton maintained a six-point advantage with a nine-wicket win at Astley and Tyldesley.

Rob Bennett's 63 runs helped the home side reach 132-8, but Elton had little difficulty in passing it. Professional Dexter Fitton, who had earlier taken four wickets for 32 runs, scored 54 not out to ensure victory - aided by an unbeaten 48 from Chris Read.

But second-placed Darcy Lever matched that performance with a nine-wicket victory of their own at Little Hulton.

Danny Gavin took 5-76 to restrict Hulton to 173-9, before Nick Fawcett hit 84 not out to keep the visitors in title contention.

Atherton, lying third, had a much more stressful time at home to Standish, winning the match by one wicket on the final ball.

Neil Bannister's unbeaten 69 was vital as Atherton squeezed past the visitors' score of 161-8. They lie 20 points behind Elton, but have a game in hand.

Walshaw's faint title hopes slipped further away as they had to settle for 12 points from a draw at home to Clifton. Brett Collins hit 70 as Walshaw amassed 233-9, but Geoff Griffiths (72) and David Hamilton (49) dug in as Clifton held on comfortably to finish on 190-5.

Lostock have suddenly hit form, securing their third victory in four matches on Saturday - having not previously won a league match all season.

A 103-run partnership between Chirag Vohra (79) and Luqman Issa (34 not out) rescued a Lostock innings in danger of collapse at 83-7 against Spring View. They finished on 195-9, then skittled out the home side for 87, with professional Lukman Vahaluwala taking 7-22.

The win was not quite enough to take them off the bottom, as Golborne picked up two points in a seven-wicket defeat at Edgworth. But Lostock are now just one point behind Golborne.

In the day's other game, Daisy Hill beat Blackrod by six wickets. Duncan Brooks hit 54 and Mark Wood 53 not out as Daisy Hill passed the target of 130-9 comfortably.