IT IS only the end of May but believe it or not, a quarter of the Vimto Bolton Association league programme has already been completed.

Prior to the season it seemed likely that the Championship would be the most open for a number of years.

The first seven games have not given much indication of the likely outcome but perhaps Clifton can be considered to be slight favourites.

The surprise early leaders were Spring View but they suffered a double set back last weekend - but they can't be written off. Their small ground helps their hard-hitting batsmen and Fox and Shields are capable of causing opposition problems with the ball. They do however, appear to only have a small squad which may pose difficulties as the season progresses.

The leadership was taken over by Clifton and with Taylor and Halliwell compensating for the loss of Gary Garner they were sure to be a force to be reckoned with, particularly with professional Mark Price again likely to feature amongst the leading wicket takers. They will miss Geoff Griffiths, out for a few weeks with a broken thumb, and this may be a chance for their challengers to put them under some pressure.

Atherton are currently in second place with just one defeat. Their batting again appears to be strong with Brian Cole replacing the departed David Charlson and with veteran Steve Walsh in fine form have been able to contain their opponents to enable the batmen to press home their advantage.

The one bowling failure resulted in the defeat by Edgworth who went above Atherton with their win. Edgworth were unable to consolidate their position the following weekend when they could only take one point from their games against Clifton and Golborne.

British Aerospace came good with two superb wins to force their way into the championship reckoning and lying in fourth place with three wins, look to be realistic challengers.

Last season's champions Little Hulton are finding the going tough. They have already lost three games, which is half as many as they lost all last season. However, they do seem to be a team who either win or lose and putting six points for a win has kept them in the hunt and they are by no means out of the running.

Last year's Cross Cup winners Elton were another side with high hopes. The arrival of new professional Darron Foy and last season's professional John Ashworth staying on gave them lots of batting strength.

Astley and Tyldesley are undoubtedly the most improved team of the season. They have already won as many games as last season and there is no doubt they are benefiting from the impressive start Charles Dagnall has made to his professional career.

I can't see them being long term championship contenders, but they can no longer be considered pushovers.

Both Darcy Lever and Golborne will be disappointed with their starts to the season. Their respective new professionals Scothern and McCray have not found it easy to settle in and, although being capable of staving off defeat, they have not had the form to force many wins.

As for Darcy, they will be looking for Scothern to pick up a few more wickets otherwise their season will fall into oblivion.

Daisy Hill have struggled to make any impact and have recorded only one win to date.

New skipper, John Hopkins has lead by example and the responsibility of captaincy has developed him into a much better player. He does however, need more support from his colleagues if Daisy are to move up the table.

Despite the fine form of Andy Cumberbatch, the Association leading wicket-taker, Standish have only won one game.

Adlington and Walshaw are both without wins and their performances to date suggest a long hard summer lies ahead.

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