WESTHOUGHTON skipper Rob Houghton says the Premiership Division title is Farnworth’s to lose after they extended their cushion at the top of the table to nine points.

Westhoughton climbed to third in the table with victory away to Walkden, while Farnworth beat Bradshaw and second-place Kearsley lost to Farnworth Social Circle.

The Howfeners lost the toss and were forced to field first in the 30-over rain-reduced game.

However, they managed to bowl their hosts out for 114, Rob Brown the most influential bowler taking four wickets.

Professional Qaiser Abbas spearheaded the reply with a knock of 70 not out, which included two sixes in the final over, as victory was assured with two wickets and three balls remaining.

“It was a good performance with the bat,” said Westhoughton skipper Houghton. “Qaiser batted really well and bailed us out of it. I think a few of us amateurs need to stand up with the bat but we are training hard and it will click.

“The title is Farnworth’s to lose now. If they win all of their games then nobody will be able to catch them.

“All we can do is try to put pressure on them and you never know, pressure does funny things sometimes.

“Farnworth Social Circle beat Kearsley and I think there will be plenty more teams beating others teams at the top. We just have to focus on ourselves and try to keep winning.”

Farnworth added breathing space at the top of the table with victory away to Bradshaw.

The Bridgman Park side batted first and ran up a total of 214-7. Imran Mirza starred with the bat scoring 73no, while skipper Simon Booth struck 53 from 48 balls.

Sachithra Serasinghe and Tom Liversedge bowled three wickets apiece before the latter hit 60 when he turned his hand to the bat.

Darcy Cotter then added 31 but Bradshaw were restricted to a final total of 168-7, thanks to fine bowling from Kamran Younas (4-60) and Mirza (3-39).

Kearsley lost ground in the title race after they were defeated by Farnworth Social Circle.

Chris Baxendale scored 80 as the Springfield Road side opened the batting, Jay Chhana (4-35) and Chris Barrow (3-57) spearheaded a bowling attack which had the visitors all out for 173.

Jake O’Byrne (43) and Jake Scicluna (50) both scored high in reply as the win was secured with three wickets to spare.

Raheel Majeed starred with bat and ball to ensure Heaton kept their faint survival hopes alive by beating Lostock.

Majeed scored 112 off 129, which included 15 boundaries, to help Heaton on their way to a score of 197-7. David Flanagan was the only bowler of note taking 4-95.

Matthew Leach hit an unbeaten 55 but Majeed took 6-42 to bowl Lostock out for 122.

Horwich eased their relegation fears by beating Eagley.

Skipper Phil Ingram opened with a knock of 71 as Horwich posted 179-8.

Liam Bones (3-27) then spearheaded a bowling attack which had the visitors dismissed for 98. Jack Wainman (26) was the only batsman of note.

Results

Bradshaw 168-7 Farnworth 214-7, Farnworth won by 46 runs.

Farnworth Social Circle 174-7 Kearsley 173. Farnworth Social Circle won by 3 wkts.

Heaton 197-7 Lostock 122, Heaton won by 75 runs.

Horwich 179-8 Eagley 98, Horwich won by 81 runs.

Walkden 114 Westhoughton 116-8, Westhoughton won by 2 wkts.