THE new run rate rule had a bearing on the Bolton Association title race after three of the top four teams won rain affected matches.

Leaders Darcy Lever and third placed Walshaw both earned winning points after the new ruling was implemented.

Blackrod were all out for 118 at Darcy, Chris Sanderson scoring 38, Dominic Gavin taking 4-31 and Nick Fawcett 3-16.

Darcy made 93-2 in reply before the rain came down and, when the mathematics had been done, Darcy emerged as the victors.

Their professional , Devendra Bundela, was not out on 62, meaning he has only been dismissed once this season leaving him with a batting average of 441.

Walshaw, who have a game in hand on the top two, moved into thirdplace after beating Golborne, who slipped to fifth.

Walshaw were in prolific mood, scoring 262-4 with Rob Faulkner unbeaten on 67, pro Jon Fielding 62 and Anthony Harris 48.

Golborne came off after 14 overs and were set a revised target of 172 off 26 overs. They fell 50 short, Ian Seddon hitting 47 not out, Rob Bennett 41 and Fielding taking 4-48.

Second placed Standish saw off Adlington by 33 runs. Standish made 184-7 with John Waddington 42 not out and Mike Crookson 34. Matthew Taylor did his beat to keep the score down with 5-63 and stand-in pro, Faisal Butt hit six fours before losing his wicket.

Ian Lee made sure Astley and Tyldesley would not trouble Little Hultons total of 177 taking 6-28, as A&T finished 68 runs short.

Mark Penny top scored for A & T with 66. with Simon Nicklin taking 5-73.

Atherton are fourth after beating Elton on run rate. Elton were out for 147, Danny Keegan top scoring with 50.

Atherton pro Yogesh Galwalkar took 6-81 and Ian Nuttall 3-37 before Atherton replied with 120-4 and rain stopped play after 34 overs. Adjusted run rate then saw Atherton emerged as victors.

It was a good day for Clifton who moved up three places after a resounding 113-run win over Spring View.

Andrew Griffiths was in dominant mood as he struck a superb 118 of Cliftons 213-4. Dad, Geoff, chipped in with 34 thenStephen Holt kept View in check with 5-25 and Lee Wolstenhome claimed 3-20.

Edgworth and Daisy Hills game was rained off after Edgworth were all out for 105.