IAN CRITCHLEY turned the tables at the weekend.

Golborne's new player-coach, a close-season signing from Bolton Association champions Adlington, scored a quickfire half-century to steer his side to a five-wicket win against his old pals.

Critchley was originally earmarked as Golborne's new professional when he was tempted away from Adlington.

That, however, has changed as he now turns out as an amateur while Golborne wait to appoint a pro.

Defending a total of 168-9, Adlington seemed to have tied Golborne down sufficiently enough to engineer a draw - but Critchley changed all that. He hit three sixes in an unbeaten big-hitting innings of 51 to get his side back up with the run rate, the winning runs coming off his bat in the last over.

Critchley was helped by contributions of 42 each by skipper Ian Seddon and former Horwich player Steve Woods.

Golborne won again on Monday with 16-year-old Peter Waterworth hitting 68 and Critchley unbeaten on 35. Chasing Lostock's 146-9, they won with six wickets to spare.

Astley & Tyldesley had spectators checking the record books for the lowest total in Association history as they tumbled to 10-5 against Walshaw.

Happily, they managed to eke out 102 thanks to the dogged determination of Cutt and Bennett - a target Walshaw easily attained in a seven wicket romp.

On Monday A&T denied Blackrod by hanging on at 128-6, helped by a patient 59 by pro Scott Henderson, to force the draw. They were chassing a target of 158-8.

Philip West hit the first century of the Association season with 104 in Atherton's total of 206-8.

But, with his batting partners struggling, it was not enough for a win, Elton hanging on at 124-8 for the draw. Skipper Steve Walsh frustrated Elton with 4-17 off 16 overs but opposite number John Bushell saved the day for the visitors with a stubborn knock of 61.

On Monday Atherton swept to a handsome eight-wicket win at Clifton, overhauling the home side's 169-6, Philip Wakefield taking 4-33.

Atherton had a solid start through Gary Greenough 32 and Ian Nuttall 30, then pro Andy Hall hit an unbeaten 67 and West followed up his century with 33 not out in a total of 171-2.

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