THE big three of Walkden, Greenmount and Farnworth all took advantage of new Bolton League rules to maintain their unbeaten start to the season on Sunday.

For the first time revised targets were introduced in rain-affected games and the early pacesetters made the most of it to record their third successive wins of the season.

Astley Bridge were dismissed for 181 by Walkden, with pro Pranuka Liyanage hitting 52, as David Smith took 4-41. In reply deputy pro Paul Wiseman continued his good form with the bat with 60 to ensure the champions romped to their revised target of 118 in only 17 overs.

Farnworth found it much easier against Egerton, who were bowled out for 150, with Fernando 48 and De Silva 43 as Chris Barrow took 4-44 and Lee Sutton 4-48. In reply Farnworth reached their revised total of 98 for the loss of just one wicket as Paul Rayment hit 41 and David Tonge 51.

It was a similar result for Greenmount, who reached their target of 92 for the loss of only one wicket, with pro Ashar Zaidi unbeaten on 43. Earlier he took 6-37 to restrict Heaton to 151.

Horwich remain without a win after their nine-wicket defeat to Farnworth Social Circle. David White hit 52 and Mark Adams 40, but Horwich were bowled out for 149, with Scott Lees and Matthew Parkinson each taking four wickets.

In reply Circle raced home with Dean Eckersley unbeaten on 49 and Tim Rees 40.

Tonge fell just two runs short of victory in their run chase at Little Lever before they were beaten by the light and the teams shared two points each.

Little Lever made 219 with pro Naumanuall top scorer with 89 and Mark Martin 54, while Adam Street continued his impressive form with 6-64.

Tonge were set 137 to win, but ended agonisingly short on 135-8, with Nisar 51, but because 25 overs were not completed the game was abandoned.

Eagley's game with Westhoughton and Bradshaw's against Kearsley were also abandoned without a second innings being played.