PAUL Holden claimed glorious bowling figures of 8-58 – but his efforts failed to inspire Longridge to a Palace Shield Premier Division win over title favourites Penwortham.

Holden claimed every Penwortham wicket to fall as the home side were restricted to 167-8 but Longridge’s reply never really got going.

Despite 37 from opener Daniel Wilkinson and 35 not out from wicketkeeper Kyle Helm, Longridge slipped to 121-9 with three batsmen making ducks.

Hoghton suffered a bad day at Smithy Brow as they were easily beaten by Eccleston in Division One.

Will Monks and James Thexton both claimed three wickets as Hoghton restricted Eccleston to 159-6 from 45 overs – but Iain Bradley starred with the ball as the visitors dominated.

He claimed 5-12 from 10 overs as Houghton subsided to 52 all out in 37.4 overs.

And there was also defeat for White Coppice as they lost by 36 runs to Fulwood and Broughton seconds.

There was a win in Division Two for Withnell Fold as they beat BAC/EE Preston seconds.

Josh Cuncliffe made 52 not out as Withnell posted 160-5 and then Michael Atkinson claimed 6-46 from 19 overs as BAC were hustled out for 101.