BOTH Atherton and Astley and Tyldesley lost further ground in the Bolton Association title race with defeats last weekend.

Atherton, in sixth, are now 30 points behind league leaders Edgworth after they lost by 95 runs against second-placed.

Luke Perry underpinned the Flixton innings with his third century of the season, which moved him to the top of the scoring chart with 594 runs.

Deputy professional Usman Tariq added 74 to post a tough target of 253-9.

Atherton’s Jamar Griffith – the highest wicket-taker in the league – took 5-73, while Harry McManus took 4-68.

Paul Walsh top-scored in reply with 29 but Alan Embleton (5-31) impressed with the ball and dismissed Atherton for 158.

Adlington ended a bad run of form with a victory against Astley and Tyldesley, who are now eighth in the table.

A&T skipper Jimmy Cutt starred with the bat scoring 85 not out and Alex Heaton added 29no to post 196-4.

Iain Critchley (57) struck a half-century in reply and professional Majid Majeed chipped in with 30.

The bowling attack of Jordan O’Malley and Cutt – who took two wickets apiece – failed to cut short the response as Adlington won by five wickets.