THE second team title race continues to throw up surprises as Clifton become the latest side to take over the leadership while Elton and Adlington take closer order.

Clifton beat previous leaders Little Hulton by five wickets. Little Hulton could only manage 110 and would have been in worse trouble but for an innings of 41 by David Platt.

Brabin took 3-27 and Gambles 3-9. Craig Cooke hit back for Little Hulton with 4-35 as Darcy Lever were in a precarious position with five wickets down.

However, Royle (43) and Edwards (34) brought victory in an unbroken partnership. Clifton now lead their opponents by three points.

Darcy Lever remain in third place but were unable to capitalise on the Little Hulton defeat. They appeared to be heading for victory over Daisy Hill but were thwarted by the rain.

A formidable total of 195-5 was probably too much for Daisy who were struggling at 89-5 after 37 overs. Noel Nicklin with 60 not out bolstered the Darcy innings in which Neil Redford took 3-34.

Elton were impressive winners over Blackrod, the winning margin being 133 runs. Mick Pettit top scored with 67 and Steve Lomax and Graham Bushell fell just short of half centuries in a total 206-8. Simon Dickinson was the pick of the Blackrod bowlers with 4-49. Blackrod were all out for 73, Bushell picking up 4-7 and Nigel Read 4-38.

Adlington, at A & T, produced a fine all-round batting display headed by 40 from Phil Shovelton to reach 197 all out. The home side looked to be holding out with the rain threatening until a late burst from Keith Wardle (5-14) destroyed A & T who were all out for 79 in 28 overs.

Edgworth stay bottom despite a win at Lostock who could only muster 54, Wayne Birtwistle claiming 5-9 in 12 overs, including nine maidens. Edgworth lost four wickets, three to Ian Finn for 19 runs, before reaching victory.

Golborne saved themselves from bottom position by virtue of the three bonus points they managed to glean from a heavy defeat at Spring View. View, batting first, scored 235-4, David Gornall hitting a superb 105 not out and Craig Wilson 90.

Golborne were never in the hunt as Chris Dunn took five wickets and youngster Jamie Ashcroft got three. The game at Standish lasted only eight overs as Walshaw reached 35-0 before this game fell victim to the weather.