ATHERTON secured their place in the top six of the Bolton Association with a shock victory over top-of-the-table Edgworth on Saturday.

The penultimate weekend of the regular season saw three games lost to the rain and the remaining six matches were all played with reduced overs.

In a 24-over game, Atherton scored 121-8 with Joshua Gilluley top-scoring with 29.

Deputy professional Chris Holt (5-58) did the most damage with the ball for Edgworth.

Holt turned his hand to the bat and made 26 but the impressive bowling attack of Ian Nuttall (3-14), Gilluley (2-17), Harry McManus (2-32) and Jamar Griffith (2-38) limited Edgworth to 101-9 – 20 runs short of the target.

The runaway league leaders were on a 12-game unbeaten run but still remain 22 points clear at the top. However, the defeat will certainly turn heads from those lurking behind.

Lostock also secured their place in the top six with victory at third-placed Flixton.

Simon Hanson (4-37) and Nick Bennett (3-26) restricted the hosts to 109-8. Usman Tariq top-scored for Flixton, hitting a half-century.

Matthew Leach scored 23 in reply before the partnership of Luck Issa (24no) and Steven Hood (34no) saw Lostock over the line with four wickets to spare – despite Luke Perry taking 3-20.

Second-placed Swinton Moorside ensured Walshaw can do no better than seventh after recording a convincing win over them at home.

Matt Norvall (45), Jonathan Herreran (43) and Dave Flatley (40) were all in the runs as Swinton posted 187-8. Gavin Nicholl (3-39) was the pick of the Walshaw bowlers.

Tom Murphy top-scored with 24 in reply but Walshaw were bowled out for 117 as Raffey Khan (3-21) inflicted the most damage.

Ather Abid inspired Darcy Lever to end their 12-game winless run by scoring 78 not out against Standish.

The basement club remain at the foot of the table despite securing their second win of the season.

Nick Fawcett added 47 to Abid's 78 to post 163-4. Zulqarnain Khan top-scored with 30 in reply but Dominic Gavin (4-35) led the bowling attack to limit Standish to 132-9.

Jake Waterworth starred with bat and ball for Golborne as their game with Blackrod went down to the final ball.

Tim Halliday scored 32 and Waterworth hit 52 as Golborne posted 126-7. Matthew Steers was the only bowler of note, taking 3-36.

Thushendra de Zoysa knocked 24 as Blackrod responded with intent. However, Waterworth attempted to halt the reply taking 4-33.

With the scores tight and the overs running out Joe Speak came to the crease and smashed his way to 30 not out from 19 balls. He needed a six from the final ball but his noble effort ended with just one run and Golborne claimed a four-run victory.

Worsley beat Adlington to end their hopes of a top-six finish.

Michael Old and Paul Smith both scored 47 – the latter not out – as Worsley raced to 151-8 as Jack Shovelton (3-64) and Majid Majeed (3-30) claimed the majority of the wickets.

A dismal start to the reply from Adlington saw them slump to 7-4, but when Shovelton (40) and Steve Rowlinson (30) steadied the ship.

The first ball after the drinks interval removed Shovelton and Adlington's chances went with him. They were eventually bowled out for 109 with Mike Gould taking 5-27 and James Kilner weighing in with 4-28 for Worsley

Results

Adlington 109, Worsley 151-8. Worsley won by 42 runs.

Atherton 121-8, Edgworth 101-9. Atherton won by 20 runs.

Blackrod 122-9. Golborne 126-7. Golborne won by four runs.

Flixton 109-8, Lostock 110-6. Lostock won by four wkts.

Standish 132-9, Darcy Lever 163-4. Darcy Lever won by 31 runs.

Swinton 187-8, Walshaw 117. Swinton won by 70 runs.