GOLBORNE hopes of retaining the coveted Vimto League title have been given a severe dent.

And the denters were the unlikely heroes of Astley & Tyldesley.

The perennial Association strugglers pulled off the shock of the day, winning by one wicket.

Rob Bennett was Our Hero with both bat and ball. He took 3-14 and followed up with an innings of 51.

Golborne were dismissed for 134 in 45 overs, David Hughes 3-27 and pro Scott Henderson 3-36.

In reply A & T were perilously poised at 112-9. But David Clare and David Hughes took advantage of their three extra overs to ease the side to a winning 135-9 with three balls left.

That surprise defeat for the champions leaves them stranded in third spot on 287 points. Ahead of them Elton (323) and Adlington (306) will battle it out for the top crown.

Atherton were the day's top scorers with 199-9 at Darcy Lever, pro Andy Hall hitting 56.

But, despite a 5-49 spell from Steve Walsh, they had to settle for the draw.

Sunday's Vimto Trophy matches were totally washed out; Atherton were due to play Darcy Lever last night (Wednesday), Golborne meet Standish tonight. If weather intervenes again a minimum of 10 overs each side should be played; otherwise the games will be decided on the toss of a coin.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.