GREENMOUNT bowler Mark Stewart became the highest wicket-taker in Bolton League history after claiming another six victims at home to Kearsley on Saturday.

The seventh five-wicket haul (6-51) of an unbelievable season that has seen him take 58 wickets already helped take Stewart one past the previous record of 1,561.

But the visitors did not follow the script – knocking the Brandlesholme Road men from top spot down to third after claiming victory in the rain affected match on account of their better run rate.

Kearsley started poorly but were given hope by Chris Fenn (65) in the middle-order, before Mohammed Jameel (56) came in at number nine to hit a vital half century and help his side reach174 all out.

Greenmount batsmen Phil Ingram and Ryan Senior were left stranded on 62 not out and 30no respectively when rain forced the players off in the 29th over with their reply stuck at 97-2, and the bad weather meant they had no chance of getting back on.

The result may have dampened the day for Stewart, but the record-breaking bowler was still in good spirits following his historic achievement.

“I am disappointed with the result as we should have won but I am pleased to have got the record – it was only a matter of time really,” he said.

“When you have played for a long time these records are bound to come around but I couldn't have done it without my team-mates.

“We have got a great team and we have got to play all the top sides yet so we will be up there come the end of the year.

“We do not fear anyone and can challenge any team in this league.”

However, Stewart is still undecided on what the future may hold for himself.

“They say the best time to retire is when you are on the top of your game, and if I achieve 100 wickets this season then you never know," he added.

“I don't know if I will keep on playing. I will have a long think about it but of course I have a very strong bond with Greenmount and could well make the switch over to the Greater Manchester League with them."

The defeat gave Farnworth a chance to secure top spot when they travelled to bottom side Tonge.

Abdullah Naushahi top-scored with 19 for the hosts who were bowled out for 52, Chris Wilson taking 3-27.

Chris Baxendale hit 19 in reply as the Bridgeman Park side passed their target with the loss of one wicket.

Egerton also took advantage of other results to rise to second-place – two points behind Farnworth – with victory over Walkden.

Ryan Ayres scored 70 and professional Johnathan Fowler hit 32 as Walkden ran up a total of 213-8.

Amal Dalugoda did the most damage with the ball posting figures of 5-61.

Mahela Udawatte led the reply with the bat scoring 49no as Egerton responded with a total of 96-2 but then the rain came down. When play resumed they were set a revised target of 116 which was seen off with ease without losing any further wickets.

Farnworth Social Circle recorded their sixth straight victory away to Little Lever to remain in fourth place.

Little Lever professional Zain Abbas struck 73 off 110 balls, before Dane Hargreaves chipped in with 20 to post 184-9.

Their total was restricted by the bowling atack of Dave Mather (4-87), Chris Barrow (3-43) and skipper Matthew Parkinson (2-43).

David Tonge hit 36 for the league's reigning champions in reply before rain stopped play with their innings on 75-3.

When play resumed they were set a revised target of 93 with three overs remaining – but they only needed two as Rameez Alam (39no) completed the victory without the loss of any further wickets.

Results

Astley Bridge 59-4, Eagley 180. Abandoned

Bradshaw 86-4, Westhoughton 184. Abandoned.

Greenmount 97-2, Kearsley 174. Kearsley won due to a faster run rate.

Horwich 65, Heaton 68-3. Heaton won by 7 wkts.

Little Lever 184-9, Farnworth Social Circle 95-3. Farnworth SC won by 7 wkts.

Tonge 52, Farnworth 53-1. Farnworth won by 9 wkts.

Walkden 213-8, Egerton 117-2. Egerton won by 8 wkts.