AS I touched on in an earlier column, I do a lot of Wigan district games and Tuesday morning saw us heading to Astley and Tyldesley for an under-15 match.

It got me thinking of the old days when I used to play – yes you read right, albeit a long time ago for the junior and second teams.

Back then, the club were more often than not propping up the bottom of the table and proverbial strugglers, certainly at first-team level.

The current situation is a joy to see and credit to everyone concerned.

The junior section is thriving and I have witnessed players come through and others still progressing through the district.

It was good to see them get their first win on Saturday in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

I was told there was possibility of starting a fourth team in addition to a full complement of junior sides.

That is a real eye-opener when retention of players and general recruitment can be a real problem with so many clubs being in close proximity.

Along with the various other sport sections they have, this is by far the most welcoming and friendly club one could wish to find.

Looking back to 2003, professional Bazid Khan scored six centuries (1,746 runs for the season) to break all records – none against Golborne though so we must have had his number.

A couple of seasons later there was the little known Suresh Raina – who hasn't done badly since (865 runs in 12 games) –though it says A&T were in the Lancashire League.

Perhaps the oddest game I ever witnessed was Golborne seconds needing to win the last game of the season to pip Little Hulton to the title – it was their free day due to having an odd number of teams.

Golborne bowled A&T out for eight and my good mate, Andrew Batterley, finished the game – and season – smashing the ball for six.

As the players walked off, the Little Hulton players arrived in the clubhouse and I've never heard so much colourful language!

For you real ale drinkers, there are a couple of guest beers on the bar (I think I drank most of it last year) and another beer festival is in the planning – the last one was excellent.

Meanwhile, it was good to see Edgworth progress in the village knockout.

I think Brett got a hundred at a good strike rate, too, apparently.