TONGE collected maximum points for the weekend after they demolished Astley Bridge by 104 runs yesterday.

In a complete all-round performance they batted with assurance and bowled with nagging accuracy - qualities that Bridge were never able to match.

Tim Heyes led a trio of batsmen reaching half centuries with an innings of 57. Matthew Bord matched that as he achieved another 50, while Simon Anderton finished on 50, Tonge ending on 197-7.

Bridge's hopes of getting anywhere near that total were dashed by the bowling of Sikander and Bode.

The professional took 5-44 and the Aussie chipped in with 4-30 as Astley Bridge were bowled out for a disappointing 93.

Walkden lost further ground when they were held to a losing draw by Westhoughton - despite calling up Lancashire second team coach Peter Sleep for the injured Paul Rayment.

Sleep made his mark taking 4-82 and hitting 50 not out in a 105-run third wicket partnership with Steve Clarkson, who hit 62, but the total of 148-4 was some way short of Westhoughton's 166-9.

Steve Parker again top scored for the home side hitting 45 after Rick Sellars had opened with 34.

Horwich gained a welcome win with a seven wicket success at Little Lever but South African teenager Zubia Garda was again left waiting to achieve three figures.

For the second time this season he finished in the 90s, this time being left on 96 not out as his side scored 182-3 in reply to little Lever's 181, Nigel Hallows 58 and Anthony Hilton 46.

One man who did reach the century mark was Eagley's Mike Ward. He hit 108 and was out to the last ball of the innings as his side totalled 220-8 at Heaton, who were 166-8 in reply.

No doubting the unluckiest team of the day. That was Egerton who shot out Kearsley for 86 then spent a frustrating and fruitless time waiting for the rain to ease up.

In the end they were left on 52-4, their only reward being fine bowling performances from Stuart Hornby 6-22 and Colin Crouch 3-61.

Greenmount were 44 run winners over Farnworth after hitting the day's top score - 212-9.

Overseas amateur Andy Downton hit 59 in that total with Richard Chee Quee 49 before the Aussie pro went on to take 4-52 as Farnworth were bowled out for 168.

There wasn't much luck for the other Farnworth club, Social Circle as they were beaten by five wickets by Bradshaw.

That was mainly due to the batting of Neil Johnson, whose 63 helped Bradshaw to 143-5 after Circle had been held to 139-8.

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