BRADSHAW'S Steve Foster bowled his 1,000th career wicket as rain forced their clash with Westhoughton to be abandoned.

Mark Atherton and Sean Dunning top-scored for the Howfeners with 48 and 47 respectively, and Rob Houghton added 27.

However, Westhoughton were up against the in-form Foster, who followed up last weekend's seven-wicket haul with 6-86 to dismiss the visitors for 184.

Tom Liversedge was on 41 not out when rain stopped play in the 22nd over.

Foster was thrilled to have achieved the remarkable feat, which stands him at 12th in the league's all-time wicket-takers.

“I am delighted to have finally got to that mark,” he said.

“I was slightly nervous before the game because everybody kept reminding me of it and it was at the back of my mind, but once I got on the pitch and started bowling it sort of went away.

“I was planning to retire at the end of the season as I am 42 now but the chairman has twisted my arm and I fancy another year of playing in the new year- so long as I can keep fit.”

Elsewhere, rain also forced Astley Bridge's home tie with Eagley to be called off in the second innings.

Awais Zia top-scored with 61 as the Dunscar side were bowled out for 180. Syd De Silva (4-61) and David Cryer (3-42) did the damage with the ball.

Amal Athulathmudali struck 33no is reply as Astley Bridge built a total of 59-4 – with Zia bowling 3-24 – but then the rain fell and the game was called off.

Horwich and Heaton had better luck as they completed their game before the rain had chance to fall.

Imran Mirza starred with the ball taking 5-17 – including nine maidens – and Joe Ducker took 3-24 as Horwich were dismissed for 65.

Heaton saw off the total to the loss of three wickets thanks to pro Humayun Farhat (39no) and Jake Corrigan (14no).

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.