HOLDERS Walkden continued to set the pace in the Bolton League's indoor cricket competition for the Anthony Axford Trophy.

They comfortably beat Westhoughton to record their 16th consecutive win in a competition they have won for the past two years.

Batting first Walkden reached 143-4, with Matt Parkinson 49 not out and Dave Smith 41 not out.

Greenmount's Neil Kay, with 57 not out, did his best to keep Greenmount's flagging hopes alive after they lost quick wickets but the asking rate was always beyond his side's reach and they finished on 122-5.

Astley Bridge edged to victory over Westhoighton with only one ball to spare. Chasing Westhoughton's modest 99-2, Will Halton and Anthony Clegg both hit 25 not out to finish on 101-3.

In the Westhoughton innings, Rick Parker was 26 not out and Mubarek Patel 24 not out.

In the day's opening game, Farnworth Social Circle powered their way to 140-5 before dismissing Little Lever for a disappointing 59.

Michael Ashworth, 42 not out, was Circle's top scorer with Darren Molyneux 25, and Dean Eckersley and David Parkinson both hitting 20.

Little Lever's only batsmen to show any real form was Simon Harrison who hit 25 and took 3-30.