By Mikael McKenzie

EDGWORTH remain cemented to the top of the Bolton Association after a convincing victory against Atherton.

The league-leaders were able to avenge the defeat from two weeks ago which ended their 13-game unbeaten run in the first round of group matches.

Josh Fallows hit a half-century, Ashley Williams added 33 and skipper Guy Haynes chipped in with 32 as the table-toppers posted 230-9 – despite Jamar Griffith's five-wicket haul.

Atherton failed to rally a response and succumbed to the bowling prowess of deputy professional Aneeq Hassan whose four wickets helped dismiss the visitors for 145.

Swinton Moorside remain lurking in the shadows of Edgworth after they defeated Cross Cup champions Flixton.

Luke Perry – the league's third highest run scorer – knocked 77 as Flixton posted 177-9 after the first innings. The in-form Matt Norvall bowled 3-50 and Dean Atkinson took 4-35.

Norvall then led his side to victory with the bat as he hit 52 not out, which along with Dave Flatley's 29 saw them achieve the target and remain 22 points behind the league-leaders with three wickets to spare.

Bury were the final team in the top group to secure maximum points with a win away to Lostock.

Professional Ashen Silva scored 42 before Alex Breckin knocked 66 not out for the Radcliffe Road men. Middle-order batsman Peter Dobson chipped in with 37 as his side posted a total of 199-6.

Tom Senior and Nick Jeffs hit 30 and 32 respectively in reply, but Bury's bowling attack – led by Neil Tonge (3-34) – had the hosts dismissed for 151.

In the middle group Walshaw secured their first win in five games with a comfortable victory against Winton.

Nick Murphy (65), Danny Hornby (63) and Danny Holland (40) all scored high to post a total of 214-8 – despite Simon Brittain's best efforts bowling 5-58.

Steven Holt (4-43) and Murphy (4-43) dismantled the batting line up's response with four wicket apiece. Australian Kyle Humphrys was the only batsman of note hitting 83 as his side were dismissed for 145.

Blackrod bounced back from last weekends Cross Cup final defeat with a narrow win away to Worsley.

Matthew Stears hit 42 and Joe Speak added 49 not out as the Vicarage Road side opened the scoring.

George Tipping scored 38 late on but his side were bowled out for 161 thanks to the impressive Dan Henshaw (5-44) and James Kilner (4-40).

Schaughn Van Greunen and David Purcell both knocked 31 in reply but in a game reduced to 43overs because of traffic problems they were bowled out for 144. Thushendra de Zoysa (4-27) caused the most damage with the ball.

Adlington professional Majid Majeed was denied his century by a wide ball as his side won away to Astley and Tyldesley.

Alex Heaton (48), Travis Wordsworth (47) and Jimmy Cutt (37) all scored high as the host ran up a respectable total of 190-7. Iain Critchley bowled most of those wickets with figures of 4-38.

Critchley then turned his hand to the bat and struck 35 not out. His partner Majeed scored 97 not out but was denied his first century of the season when he was bowled a wide ball that went for five and secured his side the win.