WALSHAW can take a big step towards their fourth consecutive Bolton League title on Saturday before snatching a possible pyschological advantage over their forthcoming Cross Cup final opponents Elton.

The leaders face Spring View, who not too long ago looked as if they may have been one of Walshaw's major challengers.

Unfortunately a dip in results has seen the Wigan side fall away but there is still an abundance of talent in the team as was illustrated in last week's game against Golborne, when they only failed by one run on the last ball of the game to match the opposition's massive total of 264.

That game comes 24 hours before Walshaw face Elton in a rehearsal of the all Bury Cross Cup final which will be staged at Clifton on August 4.

Neither side will want to give anything away in that game but Walshaw will also be looking over their shoulders and watching the results of Little Hulton's two games with some interest.

The second-placed club will be looking at closing the gap on the champions as they will expect to take winning points at Edgworth on Saturday while home advantage could be an important factor when they come up against A & T on Sunday.

Atherton, who picked up some good wins while playing without a professional, are eager for the sequence to continue now that they have signed a replacement.

The new pro Mihar Wadakar proved an instant hit when taking 5-44 against Edgworth last week.

Atherton will want him to produce similar results on Saturday when they face up to a local derby challenge from Astley and Tyldesley.