Lucky duo dodge downpours to boost title hopes

Darcy strengthened their position in second with a draw with Edgworth and Standish moved up one place to fourth as they dodged the downpours to clinch victory over Adlington.

There was not a ball bowled in the other five games, including the big Bury showdown between leaders Elton and reigning champions Walshaw.

It was particularly frustrating for Walshaw as the derby match represented their big chance to reign in Elton in advance of what they hoped would be an all out assault on retaining their title.

As it stands, they are 60 points behind Elton with another championship win appearing to need a huge effort from themselves and a slip by their neighbours.

It was also a good day for third placed Atherton who benefited from not losing much ground on their rest day.

Darcy made up four points on Elton as they took 10 points from a draw at home to Darcy in a reduced 27-over game.

Nick Fawcett was the biggest scorer of the day with 61 for Darcy and the in-form Jordan Thornley hit 40 as Darcy set Edgworth a target of 156-3.

It proved out of Edgworth's reach but the visitors were not in danger of losing the game either as they finished on 139-6, John Mills hitting 54 and Nick Kernick chipping in with 27 while Darcy pro Devendra Bundela took 3-51.

Standish had the best day as they beat Adlington.

A late start at Standish reduced the action to 31 overs.

Adlington made 115-8 with Mark Halliwell top scoring with 38 and Michael Rawlings hitting 29, Andrew Fox taking 3-25.

Standish's chances of winning were severely hampered when, after one over of their reply, the rain came down again and their reply was reduced to just 19 overs.

Openers Nigel Geary and Paul Hassan set up the victory with a successful partnership.

Hassan hit a quick 32 while Geary batted throughout for an unbeaten 36.

Stephen Knowles took just 12 balls to add 24 and Michael Crookson finished the job with 11 not out. Rawlings took both wickets to fall.