TEENAGE batsman Karl Brown continued his good early season form as Atherton CC knocked out league leaders Elton in the first round of the Cross Cup.

It was a toss neither side wanted to win. Due to heavy overnight rain it was hard to predict how the wicket would play. Elton eventually won the toss a decided to take first use of the wicket and make Atherton field with a wet ball.

Atherton opened the bowling with Childs and Nuttall as customary. It didn't take long for Childs to make early breakthrough, removing Hall with only his fourth delivery without troubling the scorers.

Elton professional Dexter Fitton, the former Lancashire player, arrived at the crease with great purpose and he and Chris Read took the score to 34 for 1 off 10 overs.

A change of bowling with Baines and Brown coming into the attack brought further reward as Baines removed Read in his first over. Darren Foy, a former professional at Elton joined Fitton. This was a big partnership, one which could decide the outcome of the match and it was to Atherton's relieve when Foy mistimed a pull shot and was well caught by Bannister for just 23.

Another new signing for Elton, D.Keegan, threatened but was removed by West for a brisk 15. West who was bowling a good disciplined line and length got further reward the very next ball removing the very dangerous Fitton lbw for 53. This left Elton reeling on 120 for 5 off 40 overs.

Elton's remaining batsman managed to take the score to 162 all out with Nuttall and Childs returning to the attack to take late wickets. Wickets were shared between (Childs 3-20), (Nuttall3-51), (West 2-21), Baines (2-34).

In reply Atherton opened with youngsters Brown and Keenan, and the two of them didn't allow Elton any room for error with every bad ball being dispatched to the boundary, along with the occasional good one to.

It was great to watch and by the 20th over they had reached 85 for 0. Keenan eventually fell for a well struck 52 caught and bowled by Fitton.

This brought West to the wicket and he carried on the good work of Keenan before being caught at cover for 30. Brown was at the other end carrying on is fine early season form with another half century unfortunately he fell soon after West stumped for a fine 61. But by this point the match had already been won and it was left to Bannister and Childs to finish the job both finishing unbeaten on 2 and 15 respectively and at the same time steering Atherton to a seven- wicket win and a place in the second round.

The previous day Atherton travelled to Darcy Lever. Due to bad weather the match was reduced to 34 over a side. Atherton batted first and reached a competitive total of 124-5, in reply Darcy Lever were reduced to 30-4, but just when victory looked in sight the heavens opened once again and the game was abandoned.

On Saturday Atherton entertain Elton once again at Higham Park, hoping for a similar result. Wickets pitched 1.30pm.