BOLTON Association champions Walshaw have suffered a major blow to their hopes of retaining the title.

They go to Clifton without their captain and wicketkeeper Anthony Harris.

The opening batsman fractured and dislocated a finger while keeping against Golborne last weekend and is due to undergo surgery.

That is likely to keep him out for between six and eight weeks. Gary Dyson is likely to deputise behind the wickets.

Meanwhile Darcy Lever are still looking to make their mark in the Association after years of trying.

The Bolton club have never yet won a league championship and their only successes have been two Cross Cup wins -- but considering they came in the inaugural final in 1889 and a second one two years later, not surprisingly, no one remembers them.

Other than that, there has not been a lot to shout about at Hacken Lane recently.

Yet with six games played, Darcy are currently second in the table and looking to build on an impressive start that has seen them pick up four wins from their opening games.

They are still 16 points adrift of early pacesetters Elton, but they, and third placed Walshaw, are the best placed sides to mount a serious challenge on the leaders.

They face probably their most serious test so far when they entertain a Little Hulton side that can certainly match the best.

Whatever the result, it will sound a warning to Elton, who seven days later face both sides in what could turn out to be a crunch Bank Holiday weekend.

On Saturday, May 29, Elton have to go to Little Hulton, and the following day play hosts to Darcy Lever, while third placed Walshaw will be watching the outcome with interest, as the results will have a major bearing on the league table.

Spring View were considered one of the sides that would be challenging for title honours this season, but last week's win over Blackrod was their first of the season and they now have a lot of ground to make up.

They are capable of another win tomorrow when they take on Lostock but a side that boasts the talent of players such as Paul Matthews, Rob Turnbull and pro Arindam Sarker cannot afford any more off days if they hope to make an impression on the leaders.