THE rain once again decimated the Bolton League 2nd XI competition last weekend with only two games managing to start at all, and both of those later fell foul of the weather despite the best efforts of the teams.

Lostock were probably the most frustrated of the four clubs who managed to get onto the field on Saturday, with their game wrecked by the rain when they were in a dominant position.

Having dismissed Golborne for just 62 they were well placed on 28-0 in 7.3 overs when the rain returned.

Golborne had been indebted to Tim Halliday who made 32 of their total on a rare 2nd XI appearance as Lostock’s bowlers shared the wickets.

Darren Parr (3-12) and Tom Mills (3-15) led the way with Tom Gregory and Ryan Crombie sharing the rest. Crombie was then leading the chase on 19 not out when the rain started again.

The only other game to get started was at Atherton where they and Astley Bridge started a 26-over game after a long delay.

Atherton batted and managed to get themselves up to a pretty useful 143-5 in their allotted overs. Greg Greenough carried his bat for an unbeaten 57 and together with Michael Tomlinson who made 46 provided the bulk of the runs. Adam Patel with 2-52 was the pick of the bowlers. Unfortunately the rain returned and put paid to the rest of the game.

Sunday saw the completion of the delayed Eagley v Lostock Birtwistle Cup tie after the original game was called off with Eagley having made 195-9. Daniel Cain (37) and Will Owen (36) spearheaded a late revival for Eagley with Andrew Mattison taking 3-57.

Lostock’s reply, delayed until Sunday, was interrupted several times but they stuck to their task and eventually got home with three wickets and an over to spare.

Ryan Crombie with 39 helped build a solid platform before Lucky Issa (47) and Mark Cregan (49) took them to the brink of victory. Mick Craig with 3-36 was the pick of the Eagley bowlers.

Semi-final draw: Horwich RMI v Lostock, Westhoughton v Darcy Lever. Ties to be played tomorrow.