THREE Bolton League sides went through to the second round of the AbbotAle National Cricket Knockout, but there was disappointment for Eagley.

They came up against a strong Fleetwood side and despite a fine bowling performance that saw them dismiss the Northern League outfit for 159 they suffered a 50-run defeat.

Steve Shepley and Steve Powers took the bowling honours with three wickets each and things seemed to be going the right way as Eagley reached 42-2.

That, however, quickly became 44-6 and then 52-8 and it was only a ninth wicket partnership of 58 between David Shuttleworth and Nick Biggar that gave them a respectable 109 scoreline, Shuttleworth unbeaten on 48.

On a brighter note, Tonge, Little Lever and Westhoughton all won their ties comfortably.

Little Lever made the long trip to North Wales to play Prestatyn and scored 206-8, Mark Martin 68 not out. Prestatyn were 27-4 after 18 overs when the rains came down, and Little Lever won on faster scoring rate.

Westhoughton restricted Ribblesdale League side Cherry Tree to 129-8, Stuart Harrison taking three wickets and two each for Michael Crookson and Ian Pilkington. Westhoughton then reached the target with five wickets to spare, Richard Sellars 55 combining with Ian Pilkington in a 60 run partnership.

League champions Tonge cruised to victory over Merseyside outfit Huyton, who were dismissed for 118, Ian Taylor 3-28 and Dave Barlow 3-21. Craig Wardle's unbeaten 41 then eased the champions home by seven wickets, Simon Anderton adding 25 and Tim Heyes 21 not out.

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