A DEVASTATING hat-trick from Westhoughton’s deputy professional Tom Stayt was the highlight of the final round of matches in the Bolton League.
The 23-year-old seamer, who is on the books of Gloucestershire, dismissed his opposite number Ahmed, the in-form Rick Hamblett and Pete Morris in consecutive deliveries to leave opponents Kearsley reeling.
The Springfield Road side were skittled for just 97, with Stayt returning 4-30 and Steve Parker 4-22, and Westhoughton eased to their target for the loss of just four wickets — Ian Pilkington top-scoring with 38.
Champions Farnworth Social Circle were presented with the league title after their nine-run victory over deposed Walkden.
Dave Smith took 7-46 to dismiss Matt Parkinson’s men for 127, but that total proved to be enough as the visitors were rolled over for 118 — Chris Barrow capping a fine individual season with 5-47.
Horwich ended their campaign on a high with an eight-wicket demolition of Heaton. Chris Baxendale (68) and Gary Garner (48) had helped the home side to 179-9 after Liam Bones (3-39) and James Reynard (4-25) had starred with the ball.
And Reynard completed a fine all-round performance when he cracked 76 not out, ably assisted by sub pro Mohammed Wasim’s unbeaten 63, to seal victory.
Fine bowling from Adam Street helped Tonge to a surprise victory over Farnworth.
Nigel Partington hit 60 while Mo Adnan returned 7-52 in Tonge’s 153 all out, before the professional took over.
Farnworth were reduced to 35-6 in reply, but Simon Booth (29) steadied their ship and they limped to 119 before falling to defeat — Street taking 7-56.
Astley Bridge also sprung a shock when they beat Lancashire KO finalists Egerton at Blackburn Road.
Sajith Fernando hit 85 in the home side’s 173 all out, with Paul Burton taking 7-36.
Sub pro David Smit then crashed a stunning unbeaten 111 to see his side passed their total for the loss of seven wickets.
Eagley romped to an eight-wicket victory over Little Lever, thanks to Phil Ingram’s fine knock of 97 and a half-century from Mick O’Rourke. Little Lever had earlier posted 192, with Steve Foster putting the icing on another top display with 6-56.
Greenmount beat lowly Bradshaw. Phil Heaton took 6-90 in Bradshaw’s 203-8, with professional Craig Duxbury hitting a fine 108 not out. In reply, Andy Bowker cracked 63 not out.
Results Egerton 173 Astley Bridge 174-7. Astley Bridge won by 3 wkts.
Little Lever 192 Eagley 193-2. Eagley won by 8 wkts.
Tonge 153 Farnworth 119. Tonge won by 34 runs.
Westhoughton 100-4 Kearsley 97. Westhoughton won by 6 wkts.
Farnworth Social Circle 127 Walkden 118. Farnworth Social Circle won by 9 runs.
Heaton 179-9 Horwich 180-2. Horwich won by 8 wkts.
Greenmount 204-7 Bradshaw 203-8. Greenmount won by 3 wkts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article