HAMER Cup holders Kearsley hit out with a vengeance when they began the defence of their trophy yesterday.

A home tie against Farnworth Social Circle did not seem to be a real threat to their crown but they perhaps had to adjust their thinking as Circle set a stiff target.

Aussie amateur David Beattie had a solid knock of 75 and with pro Craig Ballantyne shoring up the other end with 34, Circle reached 175-8.

The risk of rain and the tie being continued over one or two nights in midweek was at the back of Kearsley's minds as they went out to bat but Steve Davies and Craig Duxbury quickly reassured a slightly anxious dressing room with confident innings.

Duxbury was unbeaten on 81 as Kearsley reached 179 for the loss of only Davies' wicket. He went after he scoring an impressive 64 and the nine wicket win suggests that Kearsley will be the side the others will have to beat if they want the trophy. Tonge produced an effective demolition job on Farnworth, dismissing the home side for 134. Sikkander took 5-50 and Ian Taylor had identical figures as only Danny Bryant with 43 posed any real resistance.

Tonge got home by five wickets, Nigel Partington top scoring with 57 while Bryant claimed three wickets.

Bradshaw were also confident winners over a Heaton side that posted a target of 177, Mike Bennison hitting 71 and Ian Moss taking five wickets for 57.

Moss also hit 35 not out in a fine all-round performance while David Morris top scored with 42 in a winning total of 178-6.

Astley Bridge turned the tables on Eagley who had beat them on Saturday in a league game. Bridge got home by one wicket after reaching Eagley's 160. They had looked vulnerable at 110-8 but Martin Seddon's unbeaten 35 produced a ninth wicket partnership of 38 with Steve Foster before Richard Northrop joined him to secure the win. Earlier Foster had claimed 6-73.

At Horwich, Walkden gained an easy 102-run win after hitting 185-9 before dismissing the home side for 83. Bernard Reidy picking up four wickets for 24 off 13 overs while Andy Whittle was easily Horwich's top scorer with 31.

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