Walkden took a significant lead in the Bolton League's title race after a nine wicket haul by Farnworth Social Circle's Tim Barrow sent Kearsley tumbling to defeat.

Barrow finished with 9-69 in Circle's exciting one wicket win over the champions while the former Lancashire connection of Bernard Reidy and Mike Watkinson helped Walkden to their nine wicket win at Eagley.

Reidy stifled Eagley's batting to pick up five wickets for 38 before Watkinson eased Walkden to their win with a dominating innings of 67 not out. Mike Bennison gave good support with an unbeaten 26 as Walkden reached 148-1 with 13 overs to spare.

Barrow's wicket-taking spree at Farnworth Social Circle ended with Kearsley all out for 158, Darron Foy top scoring with 41, Barrow then went out to hit 36 as Circle chased their win and with pro Ricardo Powell hitting 45 that was just enough to fend off the Kearsley bowlers, who were spearheaded by Mel Whittle's 4-52.

Astley Bridge enjoyed a comfortable six wicket win after bowling Heaton out for 144. Adam Patterson scored 52 in that but then Bridge pro Jadhav replied with an unbeaten 51 not out and Danny Guest hit 33 not out to win the game.

Nigel Franklyn scored his first ever century in Greenmount's drawn game with Egerton. Franklyn was unbeaten on 104 in the home side's 233-3 before Egerton held on for the draw at 138-9, Mark Stewart and Saeed Anwar each picking up four wickets.

Tonge and Westhoughton were involved in something of a thrilling finish at Castle Hill. Tonge ended the game at 160-9 as they attempted to better Westhoughton's total of 175-5. In form Mike Crookson limited that reply with bowling figures of 5-33 while earlier Rick Parker hit 42 not out and Brad White 44 for Westhoughton before Ian Taylor scored 41 for Tonge.

A brilliant 101 not out from David Morris plus fine bowling from Neil Johnson inspired Bradshaw to a five wicket win over Horwich. Johnson took 6-40 as Horwich reached 171-7 with 66 from David White and 43 from Grant Long but then Morris took charge of the reply with a faultless innings and Bradshaw were never seriously tested.

Little Lever tasted success with a 34 run win over Farnworth. Lever were restricted to 137 after Lee Childs had collected 5-64, a total that did not look good enough to defy Farnworth.

However Neil Tong's 4-34 plus 3-12 from his brother Paul soon had Farnworth in trouble and in the end they were dismissed for 103.

WALKDEN took a significant lead in the Bolton League's title race after a nine wicket haul by Farnworth Social Circle's Tim Barrow sent Kearsley spinning to defeat.

Barrow finished with 9-69 in Circle's exciting one wicket win over the champions while the former Lancashire connection of Bernard Reidy and Mike Watkinson helped Walkden to their nine wicket win at Eagley.

Reidy stifled Eagley's batting to pick up five wickets for 38 before Watkinson eased Walkden to their win with a dominating innings of 67 not out. Mike Bennison lended good support with an unbeaten 26 as Walkden reached 148-1 with 13 overs to spare.

Barrow's wicket-taking spree at Farnworth Social Circle ended with Kearsley all out for 158, Darron Foy top scoring with 41, Barow then went out to hit 36 as Circle chased their win and with pro Ricardo Powell hitting 45 that was just enough to fend off the Kearsley bowlers, who were spearheaded by Mel Whittle's 4-52,

Astley Bridge enjoyed a comfortable six wicket win after bowling Heaton out for 144. Andy Patterson scored 52 in that but then Bridge pro Jadhav replied with an unbeaten 51 not out and Danny Guest hit 33 not out to win the game.

Nigel Franklyn scored his first century for Greenount in the drawn game with Egerton. Franklyn was unbeaten on 104 in the home side's 233-3 before Egerton held on for the draw at 138-9, Mark Stewart and Saeed Anwar each picking up four wickets.

Tonge and Westhoughton were involved in something of a thrilling finish at Castle Hill. Tonge ended the game at 160-9 as they attempted to better Westhoughton's total of 175-5. In form Mike Crookson limited that reply with bowling figures of 5-33 while earlier Rick Parker hit 42 not out and Brad White 44 for Westhoughton before Ian Taylor scored 41 for Tonge.

A brilliant 101 not out from David Morris plus fine bowling from Neil Johnson inspired Bradshaw to a five wicket win over Horwich. Johnson took 6-40 as Horwich reached 171-7 with 66 from David White and 43 from Grant Long but then Morris took charge of the reply with a faultless innings and Bradshaw were never seriously tested.

Little lever tasted success with a 34 run win over Farnworth. Lever were restricted to 137 after Lee Childs had collected 5-64, a that total did not look good enough to defy Farnworth.

However Neil Tong's 4-34 plus 3-12 from his brother Paul soon had Farnworth in trouble and in the end they were dismissed for 103.