IN one of the most thrilling Anthony Axford Trophy matches in the competition’s history, the Bolton League beat their Bolton Association rivals by just one run.

There were some glittering performances from individuals on both sides at Flixton as the Association chased the League’s total of 245-9.

Farnworth’s Adil Nisar and Egerton’s Amal Athulathmudali scored 52 and 63, respectively, and Phil Ingram (Greenmount) shone lower down the order, hitting 76 and helping himself to nine fours and two sixes as his first 50 came in 31 balls.

There was some tight bowling from the Association side, Atherton’s Jamar Griffith taking 3-48, Flixton’s Adrian Holmes 2-31, Walshaw’s Danny Hornby 1-29 and Adlington’s Majid Majeed 1-26.

Elton wicketkeeper Danny Lomax had an outstanding game, as he was pivotal in taking the wickets of five Bolton League players with three catches and two stumpings, while his opposite number, Danny Partington of Egerton, also took two catches and had two stumpings.

Bolton Association’s reply did not go according to plan with star men Luke Perry (Flixton) and Jimmy Damjanovski (Atherton) failing to live up to their big-scoring reputations as they both managed to score just seven runs.

It was left to Bury’s Simon Belston to hit 65, while Griffith hit 77, including five fours and five sixes.

The League’s margin of victory looked on course to be greater when the Association were at 215-9.

But a last-wicket stand between Lomax and Holmes gave the Association hope when just three runs were needed off the last over.

Lomax was then caught out for nine going for a big hit, with three balls remaining, leaving Holmes stranded as the not out batsman on 14 with the Association score on 244.

Egerton’s Amal Dalugoda took 3-28, while League captain Phil Dickinson (Bradshaw) and Joe McCann (Kearsley) took two wickets each.