LIAM RICHARDS produced the bowling performance of the season to help Unsworth beat Ashton on a wet wicket at the Den on Saturday.

Winning the toss and deciding to field, Ashton pro S Shah put the pressure on with two early wickets as Unsworth struggled to 35-3 from 15 overs.

Only captain and professional Chris Williams got going with 27 as they collapsed to 89 all out.

With a tough task ahead, Unsworth relied upon off-spinner Richards, who took regular wickets. Shah hit 43 before a key run out by Abid Fazil put Unsworth back on top. Ashton were bowled out for 78 and Richards finished with 7-30.

On Sunday, Unsworth travelled to Middleton and were sent out to field first on a very good wicket.

Middleton got off to a flyer reaching 100-2 inside 17 overs.

Richards again proved himself after struggling early on, taking another five wickets, and was well supported by Chris Williams with three wickets.

S Davey (49) and G Jones (31) got the runs for Middleton to total 131 all out in 33 overs.

Jon Wiggans made light work of the chase scoring 69 not out, supported by Jeff Keyt with 21 and Chris Long with 24 not out as Unsworth won by nine wickets.