FARNWORTH were crowned Bolton League champions after their two most productive batsmen saw them home against Horwich.

In the tightest title race for year, Farnworth knew that victory would ensure they lifted the trophy for the first time since 2005.

Horwich set them a respectable total of 201-5, thanks largely to 84 from deputy pro Wasim and 42 from skipper Grant Long.

The home side passed that figure for the loss of just three wickets, despite some testing bowling, as Jason Swift hit a superb unbeaten 83 and Adil Nisar 56 as they shared in a second-wicket partnership of 129.

Egerton and Farnworth Social Circle finished one point behind after they both ended the season with victories.

Egerton made light work of neighbours Eagley, who they restricted to 145-7 with Kevin Murray unbeaten on 56 and Mike Ward 43. Egerton cruised home for the loss of three wickets with Stuart Hornby 46 and Jon Kerrigan 45 not out.

Farnworth Social Circle had to battle a bit harder before they overcame Astley Bridge.

The 2009 champions were struggling at 54-4 before an unbeaten knock of 88 from Tim Barrow turned things around. He got good support from skipper Matt Parkinson, who hit 31 in a fifth-wicket partnership of 67.

Astley Bridge were never in the hunt and finished 125-8 as Simon Entwistle top scored with 37, while Paul Grundy took 4-49.

Bottom club Tonge failed to add to their one victory of the season when they lost by eight wickets to Heaton.

Tonge made a respectable 169-8 with deputy pro Sid de Silva hitting 73, but Heaton strolled home by eight wickets with Tom Liversedge 59, Shoaib Maqsood 40 and Chris Baxendale 44.

Mike Bennison’s final game before his retirement ended in disappointment as the Walkden skipper had to watch in frustration when the umpires deemed no play was possible at Bradshaw because of a muddy outfield.

Westhoughton’s game with Greenmount and Little Levers match against Kearsley suffered a similar fate.