Archive - Monday, 8 August 2005


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Farnworth hit back for vital win

FARNWORTH produced a great escape to clinch a victory that could be the turning point in the race for the title on a day of extraordinary performances in the Bolton League.

The leaders looked down and out when, chasing Tonge's 206-9, they slumped to 58-6. But a remarkable rearguard action saw them home with seven balls to spare.

Chris Barrow, who hit 73 not out and Simon Booth (44), shared in a 99 run partnership before Paul Grundy scored an unbeaten 23 to support Barrow for a three wicket win.

Earlier Nisar had hit 100 out of Tonge's 206-9 with Alex Rodzoch 41 as Brenton Parchment took 6-71.

Walkden maintained their pursuit of the leaders with a gripping six wickets win over Farnworth Social Circle, who made 247-6. David Parkinson hit 88 and Richard Hope 78 in a 160 run partnership. In reply, Jason Swift made 82 and David Smith 72, as Walkden won with five balls remaining.

Kearsley produced another remarkable comeback before they ran out of steam.

Westhoughton made 195-8 with Steve Parker top scorer on 61 as Mel Whittle grabbed 6-69. And they looked well on their way to victory when Kearsley slumped to 20-5. Kearsley managed to recover to 117-6 thanks to 50 from Chris McDonald and 60 by teenager Luke Procter, but eventually fell nine runs short on 187. Antonio Mayers took 6-79.

Bradshaw managed to turn the possibility of victory into defeat against a Greenmount side that is still in the championship frame.

The Bury side made 232 thanks largely to a 100 third wicket partnership between professional Nishit Shetty (76) and Dave Norris (60), while Phil Dickinson was bradshaws top bowler, finishing with figures of 5-75.

In reply, Bradshaw were all out for 220, but it could have been so different had they not lost three wickets in four balls of a dramatic final over. Mark Gwilt had earlier blasted 50 off 28 balls, and Mike Ward (44) and Paul Rayment (42) looked as if they had set up an unlikely win. Shetty finished with 5-63.