RAIN forced seven matches across the Bolton League to be abandoned on Saturday, but Little Hulton and Atherton played out a thriller at the Old Vicarage Ground.

Atherton recorded a four-run win against Little Hulton to keep their slim chances of a top-10 finish alive.

Openers Amar Ullah (33) and Callum Barlow (37) got Atherton off to a flying start, before a steady middle order of Matt Lilley, James Hatton and Daniel Hughes all chipped in with 15 apiece.

Ian Lee (4-49) turned the screw with the ball and limited Atherton to 137-8.

After rain fell, Little Hulton were set a revised target of 131 and Imran Butt (16) and Jitu Singh (24) set about chasing it down.

Adam Newton added 35 and Billy Schofield scored 22 not out, but a fierce bowling attack led by Ullah (6-44) had Little Hulton stuck on 127-9 as the overs ran out.

Speaking of the defeat, Little Hulton skipper Darren Mollineux was disappointed with his side's batting, but insisted the young players coming through are showing promise for the future.

“We just didn't bat well enough on Saturday,” Mollineux said. “It was a very close finish but it was going dark and we would have lost with the run rate so had to just go for it.

“Our professional has gone now so we will have to get a sub-pro in for the last four games which is difficult because most teams in our league are now looking for a pro.

“If we don't bring one in then we will get fined – it's really tough.

“In the last few games we have bled some of our second XI players in and they have all played above themselves, especially 18-year-old Billy Schofield who has hit a couple of big 20s and 30s late on for us.

“We want to give the young lads some experience in the final run in which will stand them in good stead for next season.”

Meanwhile, Farnworth Social Circle extended their lead at the top of the table with victory at Darcy Lever.

Chris Barrow bowled a five-wicket haul for 25 runs and Dave Mather took his seasonal wicket total up to 89 with figures of 4-45.

The impressive bowling had Darcy bowled out for 89. Rain affected the second innings and the Piggott Park outfit were set a revised score of 68.

Jake Scicluna and Ryan Ayres set about chasing target scoring 23 and 29, both not out, respectively, as the win was wrapped up with eight wickets to spare.

Horwich ran out comfortable winners at Daisy Hill.

Phil Ingram and Brett Pelser both knocked half-centuries as the Recreation Ground outfit ran up a tally of 224-6. Stephen Hodgkinson and Adnan Raees bowled three wickets apiece.

In reply, Howich bowled out their hosts for 82.

Keasley got underway at home to Lostock and were 13-2 inside three overs before the match was abandoned.

Similarly, Blackrod posted 50-3 after 20 overs away to Golborne but the continuous rain stopped the game.

Results

Adlington v Little Lever. Match abandoned.

Daisy Hill 82, Horwich 224-6. Horwich won by 142 runs.

Darcy Lever 89, Farnworth Social Circle 69-2. Farnworth Social Circle won by 8 wkts.

Farnworth v Walkden. Match abandoned.

Golborne dnb, Blackrod 50-3. Match abandoned.

Heaton v Astley Bridge. Match abandoned.

Kearsley 13-2, Lostock dnb. Match abandoned.

Little Hulton 127-9, Atherton 137-8. Atherton won by four runs.

Standing v Westhoughton. Match abandoned.

Tonge v Eagley. Match abandoned.