OLTON ASSOCIATION 2ND XI THE weather became a significant factor in the championship with good news for Elton and Adlington, gloom for Little Hulton and Atherton, and a reprieve for Clifton.

Darcy Lever, without a fixture were unable to offer their ground to accommodate Clifton against Blackrod. This fixture is now scheduled to take place on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The game at Little Hulton was denied a thrilling finish with Lostock struggling at 35-5 in reply to Little Hulton's all out innings of 128, in which Mike Rayner took 5-38. Little Hulton had slumped alarmingly for a team at the top of the league. Only 46 from Lindsay, batting at number nine, saved them from further embarrassment and possible defeat. Craig Cooke (3-13) and Neil Jarvis (2-18) then hit back when Lostock batted.

Atherton's hopes were also hit against lowly Edgworth. Lilley (39) and Cole (24) had taken Atherton to 65 without loss after only 14 overs before the rains brought an end to the day's play.

The form teams of the moment, Elton and Adlington both made short work of their opponents, finishing the games before the weather could interfere. Adlington dismissed Standish for 88. James Bazeley holding out with 58. Nick Boden (3-16) and Howard Scott (3-27) were the main tormentors of Standish.

Boden also notched 26 no, and Tony Whitehead 45 no, as Adlington won by nine wickets in only 14 overs. Elton were also in a hurry, dismissing Spring View for 69. Nigel Read took 6-24 and Elton won by six wickets in 16 overs.

A&T kept themselves out of the bottom three with a surprise win at Daisy Hill. The away side scored 165-6 and then dismissed Daisy Hill for 122. Reynolds scored 51 and then A&T used seven bowlers, six of whom claimed wickets. Daisy Hill began promisingly, Adam Irish opening with 39, but apart from Ray O'Donnell's late 32 the A&T bowlers were always in charge. When A&T batted Karl Irish took 3-28.

In the remaining fixture, Golborne managed to reach 66-3, John Waterworth 35 no, before this game was also curtailed by the weather. Incidentally, apologies to some clubs, notably Edgworth, who were credited with incorrect points totals last week.