THE first of Bolton's away matches in the inter-league programme went the way of Bury when the over 45s met at the Walshaw Sports Complex .

The support for the Bolton team was a little disappointing, but the few who did turn up saw a close and exciting first innings. Meg Eccles and Maureen Fletcher turned in particularly good performances both in bowling and fielding with Marlene Winters hitting two rounders to finish top scorer for Bolton with 15.

Bury's Lynne Jackson picked up two rounders before being caught out to head the batting with 14, Joyce Roscoe and June Tomlinson each scored eight and Sue Alexander seven to add to the first innings total of 52 just one run in front of Bolton.

Bury's second innings batting was much improved Chris Yates, Jane Tomlinson, Sue Alexander and Sandra Rothwell finished on 25, 21, 18 and 13 respectively out of a total of 113. Bolton fielding left a little to be desired as numerous catching chances were dropped. June Duckworth was the best of the Bolton batters, a couple of good rounders helped her get to 19 before being caught out and Maureen Fletcher was also caught on 10. Hilary Entwistle and Audrey Price also scored but the Bolton girls owere all out for 61.

The nicest night of the year greeted Section H sides Longsight and Ladymead when the sides met at Harwood. Batting first Longsight settled in to add steadily to their score with some sensible batting. Angela Armming topped the list with 26, Maria Wilson added 20 and Jean Nock 14.

Some nervous bowling by Ladymead added 24 to the Longsight total of 110. Ladymead were not to be outdone in the batting stakes Dawn Coombe headed the list with 20, Paula Pennington scored on excellent 14 and Jill Nightingale, Janet Latham and Sue Guest all scored 13 to trail at half time by just 15 runs on 95.

Ladymead looked to have really settled in at one point and were heading for a high score, but some accurate slow to medium pace bowling from Leanne Ward supported by well taken catches turned the first half Longsight's way.

The second innings was totally opposite to the first as Longsight added just 59 and held Ladymead to 62. The two points went to Longsight with a final score of 169 to 157.

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