Rain plays its part in deciding destiny of title ONCE again the weather took a major part in the destiny of the championship.

All the main contenders lost games to the rain, Adlington being the unlucky side, having to settle for two rain-affected draws against Golborne and Elton.

Golborne looked to have set a challenging total of 154-4 thanks to John Waterworth (57) and new recruit Andy Hodge (66), but rain made further play impossible.

The rains came earlier on Sunday, when Adlington were 32-2 in a crucial game against Elton. The Bury side lead by virtue of a victory over local rivals Walshaw. Graham Bushell with 70 ensured victory by seven wickets after Walshaw were dismissed for 124, David Leech 59.

Clifton were another top side affected, the game against Walshaw was abandoned without a ball being bowled. However, they did manage to beat Spring View who were dismissed for 94, Eric Brabin taking 4-29. Clifton lost eight wickets in achieving the target.

Spring View's David Gornall was unlucky to be on the losing side with 26 runs and 5-22. Darcy Lever fared the best of the challengers, defeating A&T and taking 16 points from a rain-affected draw with Standish. A&T notched 184-9, a possible disappointing score after impressive knocks by John Church (52), Barry Waterworth (44) and Kevin Nestor (31). Neilesh Patel (38) and Gibbons (32) led the reply to win by three wickets. Darcy looked for a second win, but Standish held out at 56-9 in reply to a total of 192-5. Starring roles in this game went Sam Cruickshanks (6-14) and Ridley (65).

Atherton had an important victory at Little Hulton, dismissing the home side for 11 and knocking off the required runs with the loss of five wickets. David Kelly (4-41) and David Marsh (42) were the stars for Atherton.

But it was a familiar story on Sunday as Atherton had Blackrod at 36-3 before play was abandoned. Little Hulton then managed to beat the rain and Edgworth. Despite 38 from Denver Thornton Edgworth could only manage 66, which Little Hulton attained for the loss of two wickets. Jarvis was the main wicket taker with 4-13.

Lostock turned in two fine performances scoring 177 against Blackrod and 160-7 against Spring View. Both matches were rain affected. Blackrod replied with 131-7 and Spring View 129-3.

In the Saturday fixture Peter Syddall topped scored for Lostock with 48 and Andrew Settle replied with 60. Blackrod's Chris Worsley took 4-35. Steven Kaye scored 76 but David Gornall continued his impressive form with 3-29 and 66.

Daisy Hill and Standish produced an entertaining game in difficult weather conditions. Standish were 103 all out and Daisy hit out to reach 85-7 in 20 overs.

In a Sunday match not affected by rain, Golborne (137-7) beat Daisy Hill (135-8) for whom Neil Redford took 4-37.