IT was a case of as you were in the intriguing race for the Bolton League title with victory for the top four teams.

Long time leaders Horwich, who had a disastrous start to the second-half of the season, bounced back in style with their second successive win, a nine wicket mauling of Farnworth Social Circle.

The visitors were dismissed for 134 as Tim Barrow offered token resistance of 31. Paul O'Sullivan with 4-49 and Andy Taylor 3-19 did the damage.

In reply David White 80 not out and Grant Long unbeaten on 43 saw Horwich home by nine wickets.

Walkden maintained third spot when they outplayed Astley Bridge who won the toss and elected to bat, but struggled to 172-7 on a placid wicket. Pro Jadhav top scored with 58 while Bernard Reidy had figures of 4-41. Walkden coasted home by seven wickets with David Smith 44 and pro Doug Watson 50. The South African was out to an outstanding catch by Jadhav, stationed at backward square leg, who miraculously plucked the ball out of the air when a boundary looked the more likely outcome.

Tonge remain top after a comfortable five wicket win at Little Lever who were bowled out for 149. Sri Lankan deputy pro Pasan Wanasigha hit 81 but the rest of the side could not cope with Dion Taljard 4-56 and Ian Taylor 4-64. In reply Tonge were never in trouble thanks to Nisar's 61.

Greenmount maintained their title chase with a comfortable six wicket win at Heaton. The home side were bowled out for 92 when pro Robin Morris returned a seven wicket haul for 39 and then hit 47 to ensure victory. He was out, brilliantly caught on the boundary, by talented 14-year-old Vistel Tripathi.

Bradshaw notched up their first win in four games with a surprise eight wicket win over Kearsley. The visitors were dismissed for 105 and fell apart after an opening stand of 43 between Jordan Thornley who made 42 and Stephen Davies. Amil Dalugoda's left arm spin accounted for 7-47. In reply Bradshaw's openers made 88 for the first wicket and they strolled home by eight wickets. Andrew Kerr was unbeaten on 41 and David Morris hit 47.

Eagley gave Westhoughton a good game but it was not enough to record a rare win. The visitors were all out for 151 with Steve Parker 53 the mainstay of the innings until he was superbly caught by third teamer Sam Newton. The rest of the innings petered out at Steve Foster Brent Richards and Javed took three wickets each. Eagley battled hard for the victory but perished in the attempt all out for 124 with Mubarak Patel 3-32 and Abdhur Khan 3-34.