By Mikael McKenzie

FARNWORTH rose to the top of the Bolton League on Saturday after knocking opponents Egerton off top spot.

The Bridgeman Park side trailed their title rivals by three points before the start of play but knew a win would be a massive boost to their own championship chances.

Farnworth opener Adil Nisar hit 33 and Kamran Sajid struck 68 as the hosts cautiously batted their way to a total of 173-9. Will Halton and Adam Street both took four wickets apiece.

With a very achievable target, Egerton set about extending their lead at the top through wicketkeeper Daniel Partington who hit 30.

Amal Dalugoda added 59 and Marcus Pratt chipped in with 25 but they faced a mean bowling attack spearheaded by Curtis Anderson (4-53) which restricted the visitors to 163-9 as the overs expired – which means they slip down to third.

But Egerton captain Halton remains upbeat despite slipping two places down the table, and he is confident his side will come out on top come the end of the season.

“There were lots of positives. The defeat just makes things a bit closer but everybody has still got to play each other,” he said.

“We played well but just lost wickets at the wrong time and came a bit short on some of them.

“I am very confident we will be back on top. It is in our hands and if we play like we did (against Farnworth) then we will be fine.

“We don't fear anybody. We have still got to play some good sides but we are very confident that we can win them all.”

Farnworth Social Circle knew that a win at home to Eagley would move them into the top two.

Last year's champions did not get off to the start they wanted when Chris Lane (one) and professional Rameez Alam (seven) failed to hit double figures.

But up stepped Tim Barrow to boost the tally with a knock of 39, and he was soon partnered by brother Chris, who launched the offensive and fell six runs short of his century.

The ever-reliable middle-order allowed the Piggott Park side to post a score of 191 all out. Awais Zia was the only bowler of note taking 4-75.

Eagley replied with Michael Ward (27), Zia (24) and Jack Wainman (40) all scoring high and a crucial late 27 not out from Adam Warburton but they were limited to 180-9. Alam (4-24) and Dave Mather (3-60) did the damage with the ball.

Greenmount had the chance to move up to third but they were on the wrong end of a nine-wicket thumping at home to Bradshaw.

Kamran Younis (4-76) and Tom Liversedge (4-37) bowled the hosts out for 159 despite Phil Ingram (24), Andrew Bonker (29) and Phil Heaton (37) all scoring high.

Liversedge then turned his hand to the bat and smashed his way to 86 not out – majority of which was whilst partnering Stuart Hornby (59) at the crease – to reach the set target to the loss of only one wicket.

Results

Farnworth 173-9, Egerton 163-9. Farnworth won by 10 runs.

Farnworth Social Circle 191, Eagley 180-9. Farnworth SC won by 11 runs.

Greenmount 159, Bradshaw 160-1. Bradshaw won by 9 wkts.

Heaton 115, Astley Bridge 117-4. Astley Bridge won by 6 wkts.

Horwich 160-9, Walkden 229-8. Walkden won by 69 runs.

Kearsley 332-3, Tonge 135. Kearsley won by 198 runs.

Westhoughton 242-2, Little Lever 114. Westhoughton won by 128 runs.