TONGE let title rivals Horwich off the hook and had to settle for a winning draw when an outright victory was theirs for the taking writes David Magilton

The home side looked doomed at 55-6 before a 74 run seventh wicket partnership between Andy Taylor and Chris Bannister saved the day.

Taylor hit a season's high of 48 while Chris Bannister was unbeaten on 25 as Horwich finished on 158-8 with Dion Taljard taking 5-52 and Ian Taylor 3-50.

Earlier in-form Tonge made 231-7 with Simon Anderton top scoring on 85.

The winning draw earned Tonge a 10 points advantage on the day over Horwich after the two had started the day on level points.

Heaton surprised themselves with the ease in which they accounted for Bradshaw.

The home side were all out for 108 with Hirwani the destroyer taking 6-35. In reply Farouk Neki hit 67 not out as Heaton lost only one wicket when teenager Tripathi was unluckily run out when the ball was stopped by the bowler and deflected onto the stumps.

A severely weakened Eagley were no match for on-song Greenmount who cantered home by eight wickets.

Skipper Mark Stewart added to his already impressive wicket haul this season by taking 6-20 and in reply Gary Chadwick ensured there would be no slip-ups for the visitors with an unbeaten 34.

The rain denied Little Lever the chance of victory over Farnworth Social Circle.

The visitors were bowled out for 133 with De Silva 3-56 and skipper Paul Rayment 4-22. Rayment was 40 not out and Little Lever a respectable 83-3 when the match was washed out.

The heavy showers late on in the day spoiled another game when Astley Bridge were restricted to 105-7 chasing Westhoughton's 200-7.

The visitors were reeling before a fifth wicket stand of 118 between Adam Coates 73 and Abdur Khan 57 swung the game their way.

Tony Clegg bowled well and took 5-32 but lacked an effective partner at the other end.