HOLDERS Eagley came safely through the first round of the Bolton League's Hamer Cup beating Farnworth by 40 runs.

The two bottom clubs shrugged off much of their disappointing league form to provide a well contested game. Eagley hit 172 and it was their pro Javed, who was the star of the show hitting 69 before picking up six wickets for 56 as Farnworth were dismissed for 132. Of that pro Ahmed scored 63 and Martin Axford 20, while earlier teenager Neil Hyde collected 5-21.

Tonge made quick work of Astley Bridge, winning a one-sided affair by ten wickets.

The match was virtually decided by Tonge's bowlers, who restricted the home side to a modest 125. Ian Taylor and Dion Taljard both picked up three wickets, only Siddique showing any resistance with 42.

In reply, openers Adil Nisar and Rick Northrop were never troubled by the Bridge attack and eased Tonge to 128 without loss in 23 overs. The pro hit 76 and Northrop 41.

Westhoughton were also easy winners picking up their second victory over Heaton in 24 hours. This time they won by the handsome margin of 141 runs after scoring 220-9, Steve Parker top scoring with 69 and Adam Coates 42.

They then bowled out Heaton for 79, Darren Preston doing much of the damage with 5-28.