FARNWORTH captain Simon Booth believes the race for the Premiership title will be the closest yet.

Booth, whose side sit fifth after a one-wicket win against Kearsley last weekend, remains confident of success for the Lavender Road outfit despite their opening-day reverse against Horwich RMI.

But he cites the fact only three sides are unbeaten after two rounds – champions Walkden, Horwich and Farnworth Social Circle – illustrates how competitive this season will be.

Booth said: "I fancy our chances, but I think this year’s going to be the most competitive Premier Division the Bolton League has seen.

“It was really competitive last year wasn’t it? But this year, Walkden, and Farnworth Social have won two from two, while Lostock are flying.

"Then you throw Westhoughton, Kearsley and Bradshaw in the mix as well.

“Any one of those sides can beat each other.

“I’ve even missed Horwich out there – they’ve not lost this year and are a really good side.

“I just think the standard is very, very high.

“I’d say the top six sides can beat anyone, but then I keep thinking of more teams.

“Little Lever are really dangerous and Adlington beat Bradshaw in the opening week.

“I just think the standard in the Premier this year is so high.

“When people start hitting their straps in a couple of weeks and the wickets get better with an improvement in the weather, I think we’ll see some proper games of cricket.”

Weekend fixtures

Tomorrow

Bolton League

Premiership Division: Farnworth Social Circle v Bradshaw, Horwich RMI v Adlington, Kearsley v Little Lever, Lostock v Farnworth, Walkden v Westhoughton.

Association Division: Daisy Hill v Blackrod, Eagley v Atherton, Golborne v Darcy Lever, Heaton v Tonge, Little Hulton v Astley Bridge.

GMCL

Premier Division: Egerton v Greenfield.

Division 1B: Astley and Tyldesley v Stayley, Walshaw v Edgworth.

Sunday

Peter Stafford Trophy

Quarter-finals: Horwich RMI v Walkden, Bradshaw v Westhoughton, Little Lever v Atherton, Lostock v Farnworth.