THE race for the Bolton League title could be affected by a ruling to be made at tonight's Bolton League monthly meeting.

A declaration by third placed Farnworth Social Circle, three overs short of their allotted 50, left the umpires and captains scratching their heads over what the result should be.

Circle declared when Lee Perry reached 100 for a total of 279-5. In reply, Horwich made 210-4 in their allotted 50 overs, but because of the discrepancy in the new rules, which have been brought in this season to ensure a result wherever possible, the League will have to decide whether it is a win for Circle or two points each for a draw.

The battle for the championship remains as tight as ever with joint leaders Greenmount and Walkden both continuing their fine run of form.

Greenmount had few problems accounting for Heaton who were bowled out for 161. Michael Hobbis hit 35 and pro Galwalkar 39 with Mark Stewart capturing four wickets for 70 runs. In reply, Greenmount strolled home by six wickets with Usman Tariq 58 and Andy Bowker 44.

Astley Bridge never threatened Walkden who reached 240-6 with Jason Swift 60 and David Smith 61. Bridge were restricted to 179-9, as only Steve Entwistle's 39 showed any real resistance.

Farnworth's recent revival stumbled when they lost their last three wickets in five balls when only three runs were required to win.

Egerton were dismissed for 185 with Javed 38 and Anthony Clegg 32 as Brenton Parchment took 4-66. Farnworth had a poor start and had lost five wickets for 50 runs, but a partnership of 90 between Chris Barrow with 55 and Simon Booth, 46, looked to have rescued the situation.

David Tonge hit 57 but another wobble saw victory slip away.

Iqbal Patel finished with 6-99 for Egerton.

Westhoughton notched up a rare victory at the expense of Eagley. The home side made 215-7 in a rain interrupted innings with Qasir Malik batting superbly for an unbeaten 97 while Imam took 5-67. In reply, Westhoughton got off to a bad start before Adam Coates came to the rescue with a captain's innings to finish 129 not out.

Kearsley and Bradshaw shared two points each after their game was restricted by the weather.

Kearsley made 222-8 with Jordan Thornley and Rick Hamblett sharing in a third wicket stand of 104. Bradshaw had reached 191-6 when the game ran out of time.

Little Lever enjoyed a quick finish after they skittled out Tonge for just 95 with Saddiq taking 4-41 as Simon Anderton battled for 40.

Earlier Little Lever made 246 with Danny Anchor again in the runs with 64, and Khan 73, while Nisar, who for once failed with the bat, took 6-119.