WESTHOUGHTON skipper Rob Houghton is delighted with his side's recent form after they knocked Farnworth off top spot in the Bolton League.

The Howfeners' own title campaign is back on track following an impressive 60-run victory which extends their recent form to only one loss in their last eight.

It was a strong middle-order that saw Westhoughton through this encounter. Fifth-placed batsman Mark Atherton hit 34 before Oliver Newby followed and struck 33.

Sean Dunning entered the crease in seventh place top-scoring with 55 as his side were bowled out for 207. Chris Wilson did the most damage with the ball posting figures of 6-42.

Adil Nisar led the reply knocking a half-century, but with extras as Farnworth's second highest scorer they were bowled out for 147 – consequently dropping to second in the table.

And although Westhoughton remain in fifth place, they are only 10 points behind Egerton in top spot.

“It was a great performance. Farnworth had a couple of players missing but you can take nothing away from how we played,” said Houghton.

“The title is out of our hands now. We have to look after ourselves.

“We have been batting really well of late and individuals have been getting some high scores. Sean Dunning is one example hitting 50-odd.

“We are scoring high and not just hitting par scores every week and everyone is enjoying themselves so we hope it will continue.

“It is a shame we didn't pick our form up a couple of weeks earlier we would be in much better position now.”

Farnworth's defeat allowed Egerton to return to the summit of the table.

The Blackburn Road side fielded first against Farnworth Social Circle and dismissed their visitors for 60.

Adam Street caused the most damage with an impressive six-wicket haul for 19, and Amal Daluoda took the remaining four wickets for 26.

And the score would have been much worse if it was not for Dave Mather who top-scored with 15 as the 10th batter. Professional Rameez Alam (10) was the only other player to hit double figures.

Besides a calamitous collapse, Egerton had this game wrapped up after the first innings.

Professional Mahela Udawatte (31*) and Dalugoda (23) wasted no time replying as they saw off the total within 10 overs and with six wickets to spare.

Greenmount remain in fourth place following a 21-run victory away to Eagley.

Skipper Andy Kerr led with the bat knocking 57 before Phil Ingram added 43. Andrew Bowker also scored high with 47 not out as Greenmount posted 166-3 – with all three wickets falling to Saif Bhojani (3-60).

Eagley's response started well as they posted 76-2 with Awais Zia hitting 53. But Mark Stewart (5-48) and Josh Macey (3-54) halted the reply and dismissed the hosts for 145.

Elsewhere, Taylor Hayes starred with the bat for Walkden as they recorded a home win against Kearsley.

Johnathan Fowler bowled six wickets for 58 as the visitors were dismissed for 159.

And Hayes spearheaded the reply scoring 75 which saw Walkden reply with three wickets to spare.