CROSS CUP holders Adlington were sensationally knocked out of this year's competition after a magnificent fight-back by Standish.

Last season holders Atherton lost at the first stage, and Adlington continued the trend on Sunday with a seven wicket defeat.

With home advantage at Huyton Road, Adlington batted first and scored 175-9 in their innings.

Captain Eddie Haddon scored 50 runs and Andrew Robinson did his bit with a solid 25. Standish kept the total down with Pete Walder taking 3-20.

It was looking good for Adlington with the away side struggling early in their reply. At one stage they were stuck on just 51-3, and the holders looked destined to progress.

Stephen Knowles, had scored 34 and was the third wicket to fall, which prompted a brilliant stand of 128 between pro Arindam Sarkar and Ian Bowden to win the game.

Sarkar scored a terrific 69 while Bowden grabbed 51, with the Adlington attack unable to dislodge either. Standish took the match with 179-3.

Last year's beaten finalists Clifton were defeated in a dramatic game against Astley & Tyldesley.

On the day that holders Adlington lost to Standish, it was a six by D. Clare that gave A & T their passport to the second round.

Clifton had batted first and ran up an impressive 209 for 8 with Andrew Griffiths knocking 68 alongside a 71 from pro Dave Parkinson. Figures of 4-78 by Steve Walsh helped keep the home side in check.

A & T fought back valiantly with R. Smith making 78 before Clare scored the vital boundary.

Spring View beat Golborne by three wickets in a high scoring game between the top two teams in the Association table.

The home side did well to outscore Golborne who had made 231 all out.

Pro Lee Baldwin had made 100 before being bowled by Ian Murphy. Spring View's pro Iain McMillan achieved magnificent figures of 5-36 before making 40 with the bat to help his side to their win.

Blackrod managed a home win over bottom of the league Daisy Hill thanks to an 86 not out from Jack Southworth. Daisy Hill had scored 203 for 7 with pro Neil Bannister knocking 76, and Howard Brooks making 60.

But Southworth and Chris Sanderson's 42 helped Blackrod to win by seven wickets.

Elton triumphed away at Lostock with six wickets remaining, and were helped to their total of 172 by Mark Goddard's 45 and an unbeaten 41 from Chris Hall.

Edgworth beat Darcy Lever by eight wickets, with Nick Fawcett's 72 helping them to 141-2.

MATCHWINNER:

Arindam Sarkar