IN the Bolton League second XI competition, Horwich RMI took advantage of Bradshaw's first defeat to climb above them into top spot.

Bradshaw's loss came at the hands of Little Hulton in a low-scoring game at Old Vicarage.

Batting first, Bradshaw were restricted to 84-8 in 37 overs as John Wallwork and Steve Thomason each grabbed three wickets and Ian Lee bowled a miserly 2-7 from 11 overs. The home side found batting just as difficult but edged home by two wickets.

Horwich and Farnworth had a thrilling game in a match reduced to 36 overs each. RMI openers Joe Settle (65) and Ryan Chaisty (35) put on 82 but once they were parted scoring proved difficult and they finished on 151-7.

Hosts Farnworth then had useful contributions from Michael Daley (31), Jamie Bohannon (30) and Peter Eccles (25 not out) but, undermined by four run-outs (three by Joe Settle) they finished agonisingly short on 147 all out.

Westhoughton took advantage of Farnworth's loss to jump into third with an eight-wicket win at Tonge. The home side had no answer to the bowling of TJ Pindoria (4-7) and Matthew Trow (3-13) and were all out for 65. Trow then hit an unbeaten 33 to see his team home.

Walkden were involved in a thriller at Sharples Park where hosts Astley Bridge squeezed home by just one wicket. Chasing 151 they were struggling on 41-4 before Paris Patel (32) and Alex Lowe (26) added 61. Ramesh Patel (28) then helped see them home despite Billy Coleman and Nigel Partington each taking three wickets. Coleman had earlier top-scored with 35, and together with Callum Worrall (34) and Andrew Coope (22) helped Walkden to 150-5.

Heaton enjoyed a more comfortable afternoon, beating Atherton by eight wickets. Thanks to 57 from James Hatton, the visitors posted 109-5 as Adam Halton took 3-12. Halton then top-scored with 35 not out as Heaton eased to the target.

Eagley came out on top by 26 runs, at home to Farnworth Social Circle.

Thomas Mitchell (56) and Louis Seigne (26) provided the main contributions to their 153-9 with Ian Edwards (3-21) and Simon Harrison (3-44) bowling well for Social. Edwards then made 21 in an opening stand of 52 with Stephen French (26), but with Mick Craig, Thomas Mitchell and James Richards all taking three wickets they fell to 127 all out.

Daisy Hill returned to winning ways with a 24-run victory at Standish as the father-and-son combination of Mike and Joe Leeming proved a handful for the home batsmen. Chasing 189-6, Standish were undone by Mike taking 4-24 and Joe 4-53. Despite Mike Hadfield's 43 Standish ended on 165-9. Adam Arkwright's 83 had provided the platform for Daisy earlier in the day.

The games at Adlington, Lostock and Golborne were all called off.

Sunday's Birtwistle Cup semi-finals saw Horwich RMI and Westhoughton progress with convincing wins. RMI were particularly ruthless as they demolished Lostock's batting for just 14 with Adam Knowles returning a remarkable 6-5 and Zaid Patel adding 4-7. RMI had earlier been in trouble at 27-4 with Darren Parr (4-17) starring but they recovered to 128 all out.

Westhoughton defeated Darcy Lever by six wickets at St George's Oval. Batting first, only John Bayliss (49) and Wayne Hopkinson reached double figures as Darcy made just 108, Matthew Trow taking 4-28. Trow then chipped in with 27 as Westhoughton eased home.