EVEN Mother Nature can't stop Elton's charge towards the Bolton Association League title.

The rain might have wreaked havoc with the local cricket scene at the weekend, but the Leigh Laners still managed to get a game - and victory - in against Little Hulton.

Little Hulton didn't put up much of a fight against the newly-crowned Cross Cup winners, and limped to 97-9 in their allotted overs. Pro Mark Penny top-scored for the Salford side with 36, while Elton's attack was led by Dexter Fitton (2-10 off 11 overs) and Lomax (4-25).

Fitton (35) gave his side the perfect platform for victory with a fine knock at the top of the innings, and the winning runs were struck by John Pemberton and skipper Mark Goddard to leave Elton a massive 32 points above nearest rivals Edgworth. They can win the league this weekend, if other results go their way.

Walshaw's recent patchy form continued at the weekend, when they were beaten by a struggling Atherton team.

Street led the way for Atherton with a fine 75, before he was dismissed by Liam Riley. However, the lower order managed to nudge the score upto 199-5, and Walshaw were left with a fight on their hands to stay in the game.

Anthony Harris (37) and paid man Vinit Indulkar (61) made good progress, before they were both dismissed - sparking a middle order collapse that ultimately cost the Sycamore Road side the game.

No-one else in the Walshaw team reached double figures, and the side limped to 150-7 in their time at the crease. Charlson was the Atherton hero with fine figures of 6-66 from his 12 overs.

Ramsbottom also suffered a disastrous defeat at the weekend, to leave their title aspirations up in the air.

In a game reduced to 39 overs, the Rams batted first against neighbours Haslingden, and only Phil Hayes offered any resistance with his 33 the highest score in a disappointing total of 92.

Haslam gave the Rams hope with an early wicket, but Andrew Smith and Tama Canning steadied the ship and saw their side home for the loss of just three wickets.

The Rams now find themselves ten points behind leaders Bacup, and a trip to Todmorden this weekend. Todmorden should have newly-signed West Indian pro Lendl Simmons in their team.

Woodbank were defeated by Denton in the Lancashire County League. Woodbank scored 115-7, with a Denton reply of 116-3. The Kenyons side travel to Woodhouses on Saturday.

In the Association this weekend, Elton travel to Blackrod and Walshaw host Spring View. Greenmount have a major test of their title credentials with a double header in the Bolton League. They host Westhoughton on Saturday, and travel to Astley Bridge a day later.

Bury host South West Manchester on Saturday, with Radcliffe at home to Ashton on Saturday and away at Littleborough on Sunday.