Walkden continued their impressive form and closed the gap on Westhoughton to just two points with a comfortable five wickets win over Horwich.

The home side were restricted to 125-7, despite 48 from David White and 27 each from Andy Taylor and Jon Partington. In reply Walkden reached 126-5, with David Smith 30, Mike Bennison 31 and Shaun Reidy 27.

Westhoughton struggled to draw with rivals Greenmount despite a blistering hundred from professional Antonio Mayers.

Greenmount posted an impressive 224-4 with pro Shetti 70 and Gary Chadwick 65. In reply Westhoughton looked down and out at 82-7, but Mayers blasted 107 as the visitors finished on 182-8.

It was celebration time at Little Lever, where the bottom club enjoyed their first win of the season, courtesy of a five wicket victory over Astley Bridge.

The visitors were held to 98-9 with Steve Entwistle 36 and Jon Kerrigan taking 5-31. Little Lever were steered home by 38 from Anthony Hilton.

Winning the toss proves crucial at Eagley, where the home side cruised to a four wickets win over Farnworth.

In a game restricted to 33 overs, Farnworth were restricted to 69-9 with Tim Barrrow scoring 33 of that total. Star of the bowling show was Nick Biggar who took 8-35.

In reply, Eagley reached 70-6, with Dave Shuttleworth 20 and Phil Dermott unbeaten on 18, with Barrow and Chris Street each taking three wickets.

At Castle Hill, Tonge professional Nisar proved the difference between the two sides although Bradshaw did manage to hang on for a draw.

Nisar hit a superb 83 out of 194-4, while in reply Bradshaw struggled to 134-6. Brett Newman top scored with 37. despite being hampered by a knee injury. which earlier had restricted his bowling to only four balls.

There was a tense finish at Piggott Street where Farnworth Social Circle scored 161-3 with Mike Ashworth 82 and Richard Hope 49 not out against Egerton, who just managed to hang on at 155 with the last pair at the wicket. Ryan Cunningham took 4-62.

The game between Heaton and Kearsley was abandoned without a ball being bowled.