Walkden proved the masters of the indoor cricket game as they swept to another convincing win in the Bolton League's Anthony Axford Trophy.

The former league champions have now won 19 successive games over the last four years in the competition as well as others at regional level.

In the final they came up against Astley Bridge, the league's other indoor specialists, considering that that they and Walkden have contested the last three Axford finals.

The result, however, was the same as in previous years with Walkden proving unbeatable.

They set a target of 147 for Bridge to beat but bowled them out for 121.

Mike Bennison, 52, and Matt Parkinson, 41 not out, were Walkden's main contributors with Parkinson then taking 2-33 to clinch the man of the match award.

In the Bridge innings, Anthony Clegg was unbeaten on 40 and Phil Watkinson 27.

Walkden now go through to the regional finals at Old Trafford, where, if successful, they will go on to the North of England finals and hopefully on to Lord's for the national finals, a prize that has always eluded them.

Earlier Walkden were ruthless in their semi-final against Bradshaw.

First they reached 144-3 with Bennison 28 not out, Dave Smith 25 not out, Phil Ingram 26 not out and Parkinson 28 before outing Bradshaw for 40, Neil Johnson doing his best to keep his side at the crease with 24.

Bridge were also in control of the other semi-final after restricting Eagley to 72-3 in their 12 overs after tight bowling from Clegg, Halton and Watkinson.

Halton, 25 not out, and Clegg, 20 not out, then eased Bridge to a winning 73-1.

Sponsor Tony Axford presented the trophy and there was also a special award for Leanne Johnson of Bradshaw, who scored in all of the 13 games played this year.