FLIXTON edged to within five points of the Bolton Association title despite the abandonment of their Section A clash at Daisy Hill on Saturday.

All three games in the top section were abandoned due to late afternoon downpours meaning the Trafford outfit have a 22-point advantage on the only other contenders, Atherton, with just two matches and 26 points remaining on offer.

At Daisy Hill, the hosts batted first before the rains came and posted 157-9 despite having four regular starters absent.

Stephen Hodgkinson (37 not out) and Mike Chilton (37) top scored while skipper Mark Wood added 33.

But the score was restricted after Alton Beckford took 6-56 for the visitors, including two catches off his own bowling. Steve Hammond also took three catches but Flixton were denied the chance to bat when the game was abandoned at 5.40pm.

Defending champions Atherton were left frustrated after bowling Elton out for 154.

Elton professional Chris Read hit 87 but David Baines (4-28) and Jamar Griffith (4-43) kept the score down before the game was halted.

In the other Section A game, Bury hosted Walshaw and pro Nekoli Parris (41) and Alex Breckin (32) helped them to 129.

Danny Hornby took 4-30 and Steve Holt 3-33 for Walshaw with captain Mikey Watt also taking five victims behind the stumps.

The visitors’ reply reached 29-1 before the rain stopped play.