ATHERTON are back on top of the league and they have that man Greg Dimery to thank.

The talented Aussie all-rounder was again in superb form with both bat and ball. He grabbed 4-43 to help restrict Spring View to 165-8 aided by Steve Walsh who took 3-24. Pro Sarkar had offered most resistance with 70.

In reply Atherton made light of the total, winning by six wickets, with an unbeaten 80 from Dimery the mainstay of the innings. Chris Partington chipped in with 35.

Previous leaders Clifton came unstuck against inconsistent Adlington, who had one of their better days.

Clifton were restricted to 107-6 in 44 overs with Geoff Griffiths unbeaten on 45. Matthew Taylor took 3-25 then he top scored with 30 aided by 24 from Andrew Robinson as Adlington cruised home by four wickets with 10 overs to spare.

Golborne are still in hot pursuit after their demolition of Darcy Lever. Golborne were all out for 151 with pro Iain Critchley top scorer on 42 as Bashir took 5-51. In reply Darcy were dismissed for 104 with Graham Marston taking 6-19 and Critchley 4-37.

A&T remain bottom of the pile after Standish beat them by two wickets. The visitors were bowled out for 88 with Daniel Chadwick star of the show with 8-31. Standish had a good start and then collapsed although 31 from Chadwick and 22 from John Waddington was enough to see them home.

Pro Nigel Doyle took 4-17.

There was a disappointing conclusion at Elton where the home side never went in pursit of Daisy Hill's 155-7. John Hopkins 62 and Chris Jones 38 were top scorers. Elton ended their innings on 140-7 with Howard Pawson 33 and Jon Pemberton 28 with Jones and Steve Hodgkinson each claiming three wickets.

There was a similar result at Edgworth, who made 129-7 with Gary Garner 57. In reply Blackrod were restricted to 103-7 with Garner taking five wickets.

Champions Walshaw underlined their ttle credentials again with a six wicket win over struggling Lostock. The home side made 139-8 with Brett Collins taking three wickets. In reply Walshaw passed the total for the loss of four wickets with Robin Faulkener unbeaten on 40.