THE Bolton League showed the two extremes of local cricket on Saturday.

While Steve Dublin punished the Little Lever bowling attack for 34 runs off ten balls, Horwich pro Grant Long spent 50 overs at the crease reaching 39 not out.

Obviously the circumstances facing the two sides were as contrasting as the performances; Dublin stepping up the pace to overcome Little Lever's disappointing 109 and Long's Horwich side, realising they could never match Farnworth's 220-8, simply making sure they came away with a point.

Yet Horwich's 86-6 total off the 50 overs hardly endeared them to the Farnworth spectators, who also saw their side use nine bowlers - including wicketkeeper Martin Spencer - in an effort to prise the batsmen away from the crease.

In the Farworth innings, Aussie Brad Hodge followed up last week's big century with 94, which has seen him total 381 runs in five innings. Over at Longworth Road, high-riding Kearsley quickly put paid to the champions Little Lever.

A disappointing batting display contributed to Little Lever's lowly total with Richard Powell 4-12 and David White 3-37 the bowlers to gain most advantage.

White 38 and Paul Berry 31 not out blunted the Little Lever bowling attack before Dublin came in for his whirlwind innings. Of the 10 balls he received, three were swept for sixes and four more for fours.

Tonge kept in touch with happenings at the top with a four wicket win over Greenmount.

They reduced the Bury side to 181-8, Richard Ankers 62 and pro Williams 61 before Tonge comfortably passed that as Gary Garner hit another half-century, 63. Eagley and Egerton were also easy winners. Eagley beat Astley Bridge by 89 runs, pro Dirkie De Voss 90 and skipper James Shuttleworth 55 in a third wicket century partnership. They then had Bridge in trouble as the first three wickets went down without a run on the board. At 21-5 pro Mahboob hit a quick 26 and with Phil Warren a more patient 27 they eventually reached 117 before Eagley claimed the win. Half-centuries from Stafford and Butt took Egerton to 211-6 before Heaton collapsed to 118, Stuart Hornby collecting five wickets for 37. New Aussie arrival Gary Stephenson hit 54 out of the Heaton total in a match that contained seven leg before decisions.

Bradshaw got the best of a draw at Walkden, where they reached 231-5, Paul Rayment 58 not out and Neil Johnson 50. Rayment then took 6-54 but Tony Keays 58 and Aussie Greg Charlton 51 ensured a total of 186-8.

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