NICK Murphy inspired Walshaw to victory over Blackrod as he continued his fine bowling form with another seven-wicket haul in the Bolton Association on Saturday.

He claimed 7-86 as Blackrod, chasing 203-7, were dismissed for 149 to help the Bury boys move into third spot.

Walshaw’s hopes of victory were boosted by the absence of West Indian Brenton Parchment, who has returned home, but their success was no less impressive for it, particularly as Blackrod recruited former Test star Brendan Nash as his replacement.

Nash top-scored with 43 but he had no answer to Murphy, who took 7-34 against Daisy Hill last Saturday, as he ripped through the visitors’ batting line-up. Earlier, Rob Faulkner led the way for Walshaw with an excellent 73, assisted by Scott Mudgeway (35) and Dave Mills (30).

Elton capitalised on Blackrod’s defeat to go second with a 20-run win at Spring View. Peter Lomax struck 91 in Elton’s total of 206, Steven Ward adding 43 while Iain Critchley (4-67) and Nathan Barnes (3-56) were the pick of the bowlers.

And that proved enough as pro Toby Bulcock (4-93) and Oliver Smith (3-48) combined to dismiss Spring View for 186. Chris Barnes top scored with 32.

But Elton’s – or anybody else’s – chances of catching Little Hulton are remote as the unbeaten leaders continue to sweep all before them after maintaining their 100 per cent league record with an eight-wicket win over Flixton.

Pro Zulfiqar Babar took 6-61 and Shaukat Patel 3-50 to dismiss the visitors for 151, Kevin Hogan top scoring with 63. Suliman Muhammed (80 not out) and captain Darren Mullineux (38) made short work of the reply.

Jamie Cooper was unfortunate to end up on the losing team as Standish went down by two wickets at Atherton & Tyldesley. He struck a superb 103 to help his side recover from 86-7 to 196. Pro Joe Hawke (4-58) and Simon Nicklin (3-37) were in form with the ball.

Cooper then took 3-37 but his fine all-round effort was in vain as Chris Bullock steered A&T to a well-deserved victory. Chris Gunn picked up 4-35.

Adlington’s batting frailties were exposed again as they were dismissed for 142 as Golborne recorded a five-wicket triumph.

Lee Baldwin was the destroyer in chief as he polished off the lower order with figures of 5-10, veteran Graham Marston chipping in with 3-38. Majid Majeed (41) and Simon Trim (31) were among the runs.

That total was never going to challenge Golborne and Ian McMillan (51) and Tom Kelly (42) laid the foundations for victory before John Partington’s late flourish – hitting three sixes and two fours in an unbeaten 32 – sealed it.

There was one bright spark for Adlington though, Martin Jenks, a 15-year-old spinner, picked up 3-54 on his debut.

Asif Zakir blasted a brilliant 152 not out as Daisy Hill demolished Atherton by 108 runs in a one-sided victory.

Andrew Davies added 45 in Daisy Hill’s 269-5, while Daniel Salpietro claimed 3-114. Atherton never came close despite Ian Nuttal (33), Matt Stevenson (33) and Paul Walsh (32) all making starts as Arshad Khan, Aqeel Ulfat and Cheema took three wickets apiece.

Former Lancashire batsman Francois du Plessis hit an unbeaten 84 as deputy pro for Edgworth to lead his side to a convincing eight-wicket win against Darcy Lever.