THE Bolton League championship chase may become a little clearer over the weekend as two of the major contenders face each other writes Peter Mensforth

Tonge and Horwich, locked together in second place two points behind leaders Walkden, clash on Saturday in a match of equal importance to either side.

Horwich want to get back to the form that saw them lead the table for the first half of the season while Tonge are hoping to build on their narrow defeat to Walkden last week.

The Castle Hill club staged a remarkable recovery after an early batting collapse and were only one wicket away from taking full winning points and taking top spot.

Horwich are desperate to recover from last week's reverse at Greenmount, when they were bowled out cheaply by the home side before suffering a heavy defeat.

Leaders Walkden will be watching proceedings with interest while trying to overcome an Egerton side that has yet to shake off the disappointing form of the first half of the season.

Walkden, however, could go into that match with one eye on Sunday's encounter with Kearsley, who have suddenly burst into winning form.

These two sides are on course to meet each other in the final of the Thwaites Lancashire Knockout and the domestic Hamer Cup, providing they come safely through their respective semi-finals.

Kearsley's recovery has had much to do with the imporved bowling performances of pro Fazel Akber and Mel Whittle and the batting of Dave Leonard, Simon Thomson and opener Stephen Davis.