OVER 500 runs, a sparkling century and a walk-out by the pro. You could say that Heaton's game with Farnworth had just about everything - except a winner.

The match ended in a draw with the advantage going to Farnworth, who in fairness had the upper hand for much of the game.

Facing a ten man side and a depleted bowling attack after they refused to allow a replacement for the departed Sainsbury, Farnworth left the run-scoring to Brad Hodge. And he responded in style with 159 made up mainly of 19 fours and five sixes -106 in boundaries.

He was out in the last over but by that time Farnworth had hit the season's top score - 304.

Heaton did not have much choice but to put bat to ball and Jason Swift and Warwick Milne did that with a 130 partnership for the fourth wicket. Swift went close to a century with 97 while Milne was 41 in Heaton's final total of 236-7.

Another century maker was Farnworth Social Circle's Ross Woodhall. He was unbeaten on 114 in his side's 237-6 which set them up perfectly for a 108 run win over Astley Bridge.

West indian pro Kevin Darlington had much to do with that capturing the first six wickets as Bridge folded to 129 all out, the Circle professional finishing with 6-53. The top sides all had happy days. Leaders Tonge overcame Egerton's 178-7 for an eight wicket win, Iqbal Sikander picking up 6-65, Gary Garner hitting 70 while Matthew Bode chipped in with 45 and Simon Anderton 43 not out. Tim Barry 62 and Mike O'Rourke 50 were the Egerton top scorers.

Walkden were also eight wicket winners, after they held Little Lever to 149-9, Paul Rayment taking 4-37 and Anthony Hilton Lever's top scorer on 56.

Richard Sellers was involved in two century partnerships to get Westhoughton out of trouble against Horwich. They were 106-5 at one stage but his 51 enabled him and Patrick Holder to complete a one hundred pairing before he was joined by Stuart Harrison for the second, Harrison eventually top scoring on 58 as his side totalled 246-9.

Horwich had little joy when they batted, crumbling to 109 all out, the only consolation being Zubia Garda's 58. Holder finished with 5-37 off 17 overs, Chris Jones, the Edgworth pro, deputising for the injured Banabhai 2-28 and Michael Crookson three wickets for five runs in five overs, three of them maidens.

Kearsley's David White dismissed any fears about his foot injury with 5-35 off 19 overs as Greenmount were shot out for 97. Kearsley pro Steve Dublin also benefited from a 19 over bowling stint, taking 4-49 while White went on to hit 44 in a reply of 100-3.

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