TONGE'S last flickering hopes of landing the championship for a fifth time were extinguished by a Phil Ingram hat-trick and a poor batting display,

Yet the champions made a terrific start claiming the first three wickets for 24.

That however, became 92-3 as Mike Bennison and Matt Parkinson got after the bowlers.

In the end Walkden totalled 167-7, Bennison 76 and Parkinson 32.

David Smith and Ingram then took control of the match with devastating bowling performances skittling Tonge for a disappointing 137.

Smith had four wickets for six runs off eight overs, six of them maidens while his bowling partner finished things off with the hat-trick in bowling figures of 4-37.

Meanwhile, Greenmount made quick work of their seven wicket victory over Horwich.

First they bowled out the visitors for only 97, David White hitting 42 of those runs, before completing the win with 101-3.

Horwich's tormentors were Mark Stewart who had 4-48 and pro Saeed Anwar 4-32 off 23 with Mike O'Rourke taking 2-9 off eight.

Greenmount's batting reply was led by O'Rourke 26 and Andy Williams 29 not out.