Atherton win battle of the heavyweights IN the battle of the heavyweights at Higham Park, Atherton, thanks to plundering 15 runs from the penultimate over of the match (14 of these being credited to David Marsh) defeated Darcy Lever by six wickets.

Batting first, the visitors totalled 91-7 with Alex Lee (23) showing good form with the bat - Anthony Williams (2-5) and Mark Scollick (2-7) both bowled well for the home side. Atherton's leading run getters were Philip Williamson (30) and Matthew Lilley (22) while Dominic Gavin captured 2-7 for Darcy Lever.

For a second week in succession, Astley & Tyldesley suffered from acute player shortages and this gave league leaders, Clifton, easy points from their conceded match.

It has now been confirmed that Standish have withdrawn from this section and their record has been expunged from the league table.

Golborne's 95-5 proved 11 runs too many for Lostock in their mid table encounter played at Golborne. For the winners, Greg Evans (40) and Steven Mullaney (3-11) were their star players and James Eccleshare (24 runs & 2-14) had an outstanding all-round match for the visiting team.

Fixtures, Mon 17th July: Astley & Tyldesley v Bolton Indian; Atherton v Blackrod; Elton v Spring View; Lostock v Daisy Hill; Walshaw v Golborne.