EDGWORTH moved to within two points of a promotion spot after they beat Unsworth in Division One of the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

The Bolton Road side are attempting to return to the top flight at the first time of asking after being relegated in the maiden GMCL season.

Batting first, Edgworth set their hosts a target of 163-4 after Brett Ernst starred with the bat again, scoring 53 not out.

Ernst’s partnership with Nick Kernick (22no) was key in the first innings as they held off the pressure of Andrew McGuiness (2-28).

Rob Bancroft then bowled a five-wicket haul for 20 runs after the break. Liam Watkinson (3-19) also impressed as Unsworth were bowled all out for 81.

Elsewhere, Astley and Tyldesley had the perfect day as they created a five-point gap at the top of the Division Two table.

The Gin Pit outfit beat third-placed Swinton Moorside, while second-placed Thornham also suffered defeat.

Chris Ware, batting at 10th, surprisingly top scored with 20 runs as A&T were bowled out for 115.

Matthew Norvall was the only bowler of note taking 4-34.

Josh Brownbill hit an unbeaten 21 in reply but Nathan McDonnell shone with the ball, producing figures of 6-33 as Swinton were bowled out 20 runs shy of the target.

Egerton dropped back into the bottom four after they lost to Clifton in the Premier Division.

Mahela Udawatte top scored with 24 as the Blackburn Road outfit opened the batting.

But they could not deal with a bowling attack led by Gareth Cross (4-29) as they were bowled out for 126.

Cross then spearheaded the reply with a knock of 75 not out when he turned his hand to the bat.

Egerton skipper Will Halton (2-47) did his best to limit the response, but Clifton secured the win with the loss of only four wickets.

Results

Clifton 127-4, Egerton 126. Clifton won by six wkts.

Unsworth 81, Edgworth 163-4. Edgworth won by 82 runs.

Swinton Moorside 95, Astley and Tyldesley 115. Astley and Tyldesley won by 20 runs.