GOLBORNE are kicking themselves this week after failing to polish off the likes of Standish.

The defending Vimto Association champions had carved out a winning position - then did not turn the screw.

Now the screw is being turned on them as second-placed Edgworth snatched a vital two-wicket win against Atherton to hot up the title chase.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes on a damp wicket, Edgworth kept their nerve in the battle of second v third.

Atherton, from 125-2, made 140-5 with pro Andy Hall smashing an impressive 87, Chris Locke finishing with 3-34.

Edgworth themselves were in deep trouble on 75-5 and 125-8. But a key innings of 43 from David Critchley saw them get home on 141-8 with four balls to spare.

Steve Walsh was the pick of the Atherton attack with 5-57.

Meanwhile, at Stone Cross Lane, Standish hung on at 125-9 chasing 150.

Things looked bleak for the champions when they slipped to 82-5, but in-form Graham Marston came to the rescue and his 58 improved the total to a respectable 150. Pro Andy Cumberbatch exploited the conditions to finish with 6-45.

Despite Simon Maiden making 32, Standish had to rely on the last pair batting out the final three overs for the draw.

Astley & Tyldesley are celebrating after moving off the bottom of the table thanks to a 21-run win at Clifton.

In a low-scoring game, they owed a lot to a handy partnership from pro Scott Henderson and Rob Bennett. Henderson made 29 and Bennett a crucial 52 as the visitors reached 106-9.

But there is no keeping Ralph Livesey out of the picture for too long.

The 'sixty-something' spin bowler had Clifton in a twist by taking 5-36 and sending the home side crashing to 85 all out. Alan Potter had 6-21 for Clifton but it wasn't enough to stop A&T picking up only their third win of the season.

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