BOLTONIAN Josh Bohannon came within two runs of a maiden first-class century with a hugely impressive innings on the second day of Lancashire’s County Championship match against Leicestershire at Liverpool.

The 22-year-old was left, agonisingly, unbeaten on a career-best 98 when the last wicket fell on the stroke of lunch on Wednesday with the Red Rose total on 449, but he can reflect on making a significant contribution as Lancashire claimed all five batting points for the first time in two years to put themselves in a strong position.

The former Farnworth Social Circle star looked all set to reach three figures when he hit another Boltonian, Leicestershire’s Callum Parkinson – twin on Lancashire bowler Matt – for a four and six from the last two balls of the 119th over.

But three balls into the next over, the innings was over.

Nevertheless, Red Rose team-mate Tom Bailey, who also hit a half-century, says Bohannon should be proud of his knock.

He said: “It was great to watch from the other end.

“He’s been chomping at the bit to get back in the team, that’s been obvious from just watching him train, so I’m really pleased he got some runs.”

While Bohannon has been starring for Lancashire, his old club Social Circle – and brother Jamie – have been preparing for two away days this weekend.

The second of those tomorrow in the Bolton League Premiership Division sees them attempt to become the first team to beat leaders Horwich RMI in the league.

Elsewhere, champions Walkden – who inflicted a first league loss on Social Circle last weekend and sit second – host fourth-placed Farnworth.

In the Association Division, table-toppers Atherton will, be hoping to make it five straight wins when they visit Little Hulton, while second-placed Heaton host Astley Bridge.

Winless bottom-placed side Daisy Hill will aim to break their duck at Eagley.

Weekend fixtures

Tonight

Bolton League

T20: Adlington v Blackrod, Horwich RMI v Heaton, Lostock v Bradshaw, Eagley v Astley Bridge, Little Lever v Darcy Lever, Kearsley v Tonge, Westhoughton v Daisy Hill, Little Hulton v Farnworth Social Circle.

Tomorrow

Bolton League (1.30pm start)

Premier Division: Horwich RMI v Farnworth Social Circle, Westhoughton v Little Lever, Kearsley v Bradshaw, Lostock v Adlington, Walkden v Farnworth.

Association Division: Eagley v Daisy Hill, Golborne v Blackrod, Heaton v Astley Bridge, Little Hulton v Atherton, Tonge v Darcy Lever.

GMCL (1pm start)

Premier Division: Egerton v Prestwich.

Division 1B: Astley and Tyldesley v Greenmount, Bury v Edgworth.

Sunday

National ECB Knockout

St Annes v Horwich RMI, Bradshaw v Timperley.