LITTLE Lever's title-winning captain of 2013 has returned – and he is back with a bang.

Jon Kerrigan – who helped end an 18-year drought by lifting the Bolton Association trophy two years ago – has returned to his previous side after an 18-month spell with Bradshaw.

He will replace Joshua Gent as the captain for the remainder of the season.

And what an impact his return has made on the side – storming to their first win in eight games at home to Heaton.

Adam Carter came agonisingly close to his century – dismissed on 99 – as the Victoria Park side attacked from the off.

Ayaz Hanif added 58 and the returning-skipper Kerrigan scored 42 not out.

Imran Mirza top-scored with 30 in reply but the bowling attack of Mohammed Adnan (4-67) and professional Zain Abbas (3-41) had them dismissed for 165.

Elsewhere, Kearsley edged a high-scoring affair at home to Horwich.

Saeed Anwar Jnr led the way with the bat scoring 106 and Andrew Griffiths knocked his second half-century of the season as the Springfield Road side posted 246-7 – Lewis Haydock was the most notable bowler taking 3-74.

The Recreation Ground side's reply came from David Morris (56) and Phil Cavill (53) who put on a 92-run third-wicket stand. Babar Naeem also added 36 and with 17 wides it set up a close finish – one which favoured the hosts as Mohammed Jameel (4-86) and Anwar Jnr (4-117) dismissed the big hitters.

Mark Atherton and Rob Brown starred with the bat as Westhoughton recorded a comfortable victory against Eagley.

Atherton struck 107 not out and Brown fell four runs short of his century as the Howfeners posted a total of 285-2.

In reply, 16-year-old Will Shuttleworth top-scored with 40 and Asif Bhojani hit 25 but the bowling prowess of Qaisar Abbas (5-42) had them seen off for 139 and ensured Westhoughton maintained in the title hunt.