By Karen Knott

 

BRADSHAW, Farnworth Social Circle, Eagley and Horwich all won their first round matches in the Anthony Axford Indoor Trophy.

Bradshaw went through on Sunday with a three-wicket victory against Heaton in the opening match at Bolton School, followed by Farnworth Social Circle beating Westhoughton by 98 runs.

Eagley enjoyed a comfortable five-wicket win against Blackrod, while Horwich defeated Daisy Hill by 72 runs in this year’s extended 16-team competition.

Having lost the toss, captain Josh McGreavy top-scored with 19 as Heaton racked up 94-4 off their 12 overs. George Holliday also hit an unbeaten 18.

But it was Nick Lester (26 not out) and Phil Dickinson 23no who led Bradshaw to a winning score of 98 for the loss of three wickets.

Some accurate throws saw Westhoughton run out four of the five Farnworth Social Circle batsmen in the second game of the day, but that did not stop Circle amassing a big score of 146-5 in their allotted overs.

Top scorers were David Tonge with 37, Rick Hamblett (31), Ryan Ayres (27no) and Matt Parkinson with 21. Oliver Newby took all of the wickets, including one in his first over.

In reply, Westhoughton suffered two quick run outs and, with the score at 9-2 after two overs, they never really recovered.

Danny Naylor top-scored with 14 as Westhoughton were eventually bowled out for 48. Christian Walsh, Ayres, Parkinson and Dave Mather all took a wicket each.

The best bowling performance of the day came from Eagley skipper Danny Councel who took 2-10 in his three overs as his side beat Blackrod in the third game.

Captain Chris Sanderson top-scored with 22 as Blackrod hit 68-4.

Eagley easily notched up the 69 runs required with the loss of one wicket with Jack Wainman top-scoring with 27no.

It was a family affair in the final game of the day when strong batting performances from Matthew Morris (32no) and his father David (24) helped Horwich to a winning score of 131-5, largely aided by 35 extras. Steven Hodgkinson was the pick of the Daisy Hill bowlers with 2-27.

Hill were all out for 59 in reply with captain Steve Chilton top scoring with 19.

Young bowlers Joseph Baldwin and Morris starred with the ball for Horwich.

Baldwin took 2-18 off three overs while Morris secured the only maiden in his 1-18.

A further eight teams will play their first round games at Bolton School next Sunday with the action getting underway at 12.30pm when Tonge take on Atherton.

Little Lever play Kearsley at 1.45pm, Walkden are up against Lostock at 3pm and Darcy Lever against Farnworth is the final game of the day at 4.15pm.