PETER WALDER grabbed the ball and the glory on Saturday.

His sensational diving catch off the last ball of the match left title hopefuls Atherton groaning - while Standish were glowing.

The Vimto Bolton Association clash came down to a one-ball thriller.

And when Atherton skipper Steve Walsh edged the ball to second slip it looked to be heading to the boundary for four runs and dramatic victory. Instead, Walder took the catch at full stretch for a dramatic victory.

Standish posted a total of 148-8, Walsh taking 4-57 and Ian Nuttall 3-47.

But that last-ball catch left Atherton all out for 145 with Phil West 82 not out and Paul Walsh 22. They had been struggling on 50-6 before the two put them back on track.

Astley & Tyldesley crashed to a nine-wicket loss at Adlington, who had lost their previous four games.

The visitors were dismissed for 116-9 with professional Scott Henderson contributing 54 and Peter Bennett 28 - that after Hendy had steered the side to 74-1 at half-way. Adlington knocked off the runs for the loss of one wicket in just 21 overs.

Sunday's programme was washed away in the rain.

That left leaders Elton happy (they had no game!) and chasers Golborne and Atherton frustrated, each picking up only six points consolation.

At the half-way stage Elton have 163 points, Walshaw 161, Golborne 157 and Atherton 151, each having played 14 games.

TITLE hopefuls Elton and Golborne underlined just how tight it is at the top when their nail-biting encounter ended in a tie.

Elton made 203-7 with Aussie pro Greg Dimery top scorer on 82; Phil Robinson took 5-52.

Golborne looked well on track but Elton fought their way back.

And, going into the last over, Golborne had seven wickets down and needed five runs to win.

They took a run off the first ball, failed to score off the next two and then lost a wicket leaving four runs needed off two balls.

They grabbed another run before Cullen skied the last ball but managed to scamper for two runs as it dropped between a cluster of Elton fielders to tie the match.

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