THE Bolton Association hit a record score of 301-5 against the Saddleworth League in Sunday's MEN inter-league trophy first round at Clifton to set up a semi-final local showdown with holders, the Bolton League.

Atherton batsmen Neil Bannister and Karl Brown dominated the show,Bannister hitting 121 not out and his 16-year-old team-mate 81. Bannister

hit 19 4s and one 6 with his century coming off 128 balls, while Brown hit three 6s and ten 4s.

They came together after opener Andrew Griffiths had been dismissed with the score on 24, and put on 124 before Brown lost his wicket at 148-2.

Yet from that good position, the Association suddenly found themselves at 153-4 and although Brett Collins briefly threatened, the side needed a big innings after injuries and withdrawals had severley weakened their bowling line-up.

Bannister provided that big score with a controlled and chance-less performance. Initially he played the sheet anchor as Jack Southworth chanced his arm at the other end, but gradually took command to play one his best ever innings.

"We had done so well taking the score to 148-1only to lose three or four quick wickets, and it was just a case of getting my head down," Bannister said afterwards.

He had great support from 19-years-old Southworth, who got away with three dropped catches to pepper the boundary and get the run rate back on track with an unbeaten 42 not out.

In the end, however, it was Bannister's show; first sweeping a boundary four to bring up his hundred, before adding another off the last ball to take the total past the 300 mark.

That was always too much for Saddleworth, although after being reduced to 132-6, Ben Johnson hit six 6s and five 4s in a big-hitting 77 before the innings finally ended on 234, Collins and Mark Goddard each taking three wickets.