Bradshaw openers hit record total (From The Bolton News)

Bradshaw openers hit record total

8:18am Monday 12th May 2008 in

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FARNWORTH, Egerton and Walkden are the only unbeaten teams left in the Anthony Axford Bolton League, but it was Bradshaw and Kearsley, who produced the fireworks on Saturday.

Bradshaw's opening pair of Chris Evans and Amol Mazundar blasted Horwich's attack for 307 runs - a record partnership - beating the league's previous best of 272 set in 1984 by Farnworth's Aussie duo Rod Tucker and Rod Bower, and the Hamer Cup best of 305 set by Greenmount's Mike O'Rourke and Saeed Anwar Jnr in 2000.

Kearsley skipper Steve Dublin, renowned for his big-hitting, was back to his best when he blasted 69 against Farnworth Social Circle with six sixes and six fours, including 23 off one memorable Tim Barrow over.

He helped Kearsley to 197-8, although Chris Taylor slowed the innings with 6-15. In reply, Circle were all out for 180, still chasing their first win of the season as Chris Sainsbury took five wickets.

Egerton endured an agonising time before they sneaked past Greenmount by one wicket. The Bury side were bowled out for 104 despite 51 from pro Zaidi, but Egerton did not have an easy ride with Zaidi taking five wickets and Mark Stewart three, before they finally passed the finishing line.

Farnworth professional Brenton Parchment will only know on Tuesday whether he has been selected for the West Indies Test series against Australia. If, as expected, he misses out he will be available for Farnworth from next week.

Meanwhile, his stand-in as deputy pro, Sri Lankan Saweeja Werrakoon, made a huge contribution to Farnworth's eight-wicket win over Little Lever.

The youngster, on the fringe of a Test call, took 4-38 while Lee Sutton grabbed 4-15 to dismiss Little Lever for 99. In reply, he was unbeaten on 31 as Farnworth cruised home.

Astley Bridge demolished Heaton, who look in for another long hard season.

Bridge made 299-5 with Steve Shepley 81 and William Halton 63, both unbeaten, while Heaton crashed to 101 all out with a hat-trick for Halton.

Walkden had few problems in disposing of Eagley, who were bowled out for 123, despite 65 from pro O'Rourke. Walkden raced home with David Smith continuing his good form with an unbeaten 72.

Westhoughton continued their inconsistent form with a heavy defeat at home to Tonge who made 215-8 with Alex Rodzock top scorer with 75. The home side stumbled to 129 all out.