FARNWORTH Social Circle and Horwich got off to impressive starts in the Bolton Cricket League's Anthony Axford Indoor Trophy -- but the competition has been diluted by two withdrawals.

Little Lever failed to appear for last Sunday's opening first round matches at Bolton School, leaving Bradshaw with a walkover into the second round, and Tonge, who were due to meet Astley Bridge next Sunday, have failed to raise a team.

Social Circle posted an unassailable 137 for 3 in their 12 overs to see off Kearsley's challenge.

Dean Eckersley hit an unbeaten 53, and was well backed up by Sunny Ahned (30 not out) and Andrew Ogden (20 not out). Skipper Pete Morris was Kearsley's top scorer with 29, and Gordan Thornley hit 28 not out, but the Springfield Road side finished on 113 for 5.

Horwich beat Farnworth, who scored 101 for 4. Stuart Marsh hit 31 not out and Chris Barrow contributed 26. After Darren Wilson (29) and Nick Woods (27) had retired undefeated, Gareth Bannister and Gareth Williams knocked off the remaining runs.

The next matches are on Sunday. Eagley face Heaton at 12.30pm, and Greenmount take on Walkden at 1.45pm.