GOLBORNE'S grip at the top of the table was tightened with an easy win over Blackrod, while close rivals Clifton could only draw against Edgworth.

The leaders stretched the points difference from eight - 10 after their eight wickets victory.

Blackrod could only muster 123-9 and that included a few lusty blows from the tailenders after they had been 85-8 in the 30th over. They could not come to terms with the pace of Paul Robinson who finished with 2-22 from eight overs or Andy Pennington who grabbed 4-26 from 10 overs. In reply Golborne professional Tony Kelly was unbeaten on 29, but Ewan McCray had already set the team on the right road with a a half century.

Little Hulton kept their outside hopes of retaining the title alive with a solid 209-6 to overhaul Daisy Hill's 207-8, but it was frustration all the way for Clifton.

They hit 210-6 with Jeff Griifiths top scoring with 78, while David Young took 4-80, but in reply Edgworth hung on to finish on 173-9 with the last pair at the wicket for four overs. Chris Lock hit 46 while Brian Taylor bowled well, grabbing three early wickets.

Atherton's miserable form continued as they just managed to hang on for a draw at home to Spring View. The visitors notched up 211-8 with Paul Matthews 68 and Mike James 34. Atherton skipper Steve Walsh was again in the wickets with 5-69. In reply Atherton, without a win in eight games, collapsed again and despite John Hyde's 28 and Phil West's 24 were struggling at 116-8 at the close. Darcy Lever had a good day easily accounting for Standish by eight wickets. Mark Ramsdale hit 32 and Paul Hasson 40 in an opening stand of 65 for Standish but then the bowlers took command with Richard Sutcllife finishing with 4-40 and 53 years-old veteran Tony Elliott 4-24. In reply the home side cruised to 133-2 with Jonathan Hayes 48 and Ian Scott 57 not out.

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