A DISPUTE over alleged ineligible players has thrown the Bolton Association's Cross Cup into chaos.

Three of the quarter-finals were decided at the weekend, but the Walshaw v Blackrod clash was postponed - with Blackrod's last first round victims, Darcy Lever, complaining their opponents fielded a pair of banned players.

The dispute centres around Blackrod's Pat Gallagher and Gary Haydock, who were involved in an incident at Edgworth last year.

Blackrod pre-empted possible action by the Association by banning Gallagher for three years and Haydock for six months.

Haydock served his ban, and Gallagher was later re-instated by the club after an apology. Gallagher went on to play in the Cup-tie against against Darcy Lever, and Haydock came on as a substitute fielder when the match spilled over from Sunday to Tuesday evening.

But it was later discovered that, through an technicality, Haydock had not been registered as a player with the Association.

Now Darcy Lever have appealed against the Association decision to allow the result to stand - claiming neither Gallagher or Haydock should have taken any part.

The Association must now rule on the appeal and decide whether to let the result stand, disqualify Blackrod - or even have the game replayed! The first new available date for the delayed quarter-final is July 2 - the scheduled date for the semi-finals.

Teams already through to the last four are: Atherton, after pro Chris Street hit 97 in the 91-run defeat of Little Hulton; Elton, who destroyed Edgworth by eight wickets; and Spring View, who pipped Daisy Hill by just eight runs thanks to 71 by pro Arindam Sarkar.

Holders Heywood will entertain Littleborough in the delayed second round of the J W Lees Wood Cup in the Central Lancashire League on July 2.

Australian overseas amateur Derek Tate hit an unbeaten century in Boro's 70-run defeat of Unsworth, while Heywood pro Sherwin Campbell made 68 as the holders beat Crompton by six wickets.

That followed 128 not out by Campbell the previous day, as Heywood beat Boro by eight wickets to go top of the table.

Meanwhile, the best weather of the year greeted the players in the Peak Sports Derbyshire and Cheshire Cricket League this weekend, as some big totals were again posted.

DIVISION ONE

Chapel travelled to Hawk Green and set an impressive 296 é 3 from their 45 overs. Lee Bradley hit 86 and Stuart Milner 63, but 63 not out from Ben Harding and the end of the innings ensured a big total. In reply, Andrew Littler made 38 and Jordan Henderson a typical hard hit 53, but the innings fizzled out on 194. Whaley Bridge took first knock away at Hadfield and set 185 é 9. Nick Allison top scored with 54, whilst Lee Jones made 45. In reply Lee Martin made 45, but a steady 30 not out from Rick Ball saw Hadfield home for the loss of 5 wickets. Stockport travelled to Birch Vale and made 181 é 8. In reply Birch Vale were bowled out for 175, Mark Green taking 5 é 47. Hayfield had first use of the pitch at Hazel Grove but found Ian Heywood in top form with the ball as he took 6 é 32 to leave Hayfield all out for 82. Geoff Noden then stroked 41 as Grove cruised home for the loss of 1 wicket. Tintwistle batted first at home to Compstall but could only manage 143 all out. Mark Richards took 3 é 45 and Peter Richards took a hat-trick to end with figures of 3 é 28. In reply David Bailey made a steady 45 and Jimmy Blackwell took 5 é 53, but Compstall made it home for the loss of 6 wickets.

DIVISION TWO

New Mills travelled to Woodley and had 7 é 10 off 12 overs from Alistair Stevens to thank as the hosts were all out for just 104. In reply the Millers were struggling on 54 é 4, but Tom Streets and Darren Coverley calmly saw New Mills home by 6 wickets. Broadbottom travelled to Charlesworth but were soon all out for 118, despite 50 from John Dodd. Dave Wood took 6 é 22 for the home team. In a tense finish B. Collier made 50, and G. Holden took 4 é 48, as Charlesworth crept home for the loss of 9 wickets. Buxworth travelled to Mellor but could only set 122 all out. Steve Harrison took 4 é 54 and Tony Holme 6 é 53. In reply Chris Smith took 7 é 39 as Mellor were all out for 115. Dove Holes travelled to Mottram, but 5 é 68 from Liam Wright saw the visitors all out for 178. In reply Richard Windsor made a classy 56 as Mottram won for the loss of 4 wickets.

DIVISION THREE

Old Glossop batted first at home to Hawk Green, but thanks to 5 é 33 from Jason Ward they were all out for 147. In reply Murray Hill made 30, but 6 é 31 from veteran Ivan Twist saw the league leaders all out for 74. Newton batted first at home to Dinting and made 162. P. Woodward making 55. In reply Paul Acomb made 31 as Dinting won for the loss of 8 wickets. Hadfield travelled to Whaley Bridge and thanks to S. Turnbull with 96, set a mammoth 268 é 9. In reply Russ Wild made 47, but J. Roche took 3 é 15 as Whaley were all out for 121. Birch Vale travelled to Stockport and made 173 é 7. M. Walsh made 48 and A. Porter took 4 é 78. In reply Dave Gavin took 5 é 46 as Stockport were all out for 153. Mottram batted first at Hayfield and despite 76 from J. Flint, they could only make 181 é 8. J. Adamson took 4 é 42 for Hayfield. In reply Tom Hudson made a classy 84 not out as Hayfield won for the loss of 3 wickets. Tintwistle took first knock in the Wok at Compstall and made 143 é 6. Mike Lilley top scoring with 58. In reply K. Neild took 5 é 29 and A. Thornhill 3 é 28 as Compstall were all out for just 97.

DIVISION FOUR

Chapel batted first at home to Hollingworth and thanks to 69 from Chris Durham set a challenging 201 é 5. In reply Nick Jackson took 6 é 9 as Hollingworth were all out for just 50. Woodley travelled to New Mills and despite 68 from E. Baker could only manage 144 all out. Craig Mills bowling dibbly dobblies took 6 é 41. In reply Scott Mills crashed 58 as New Mills passed their target for the loss of 3 wickets. Buxworth batted first at home to Mellor and made 225 é 9. Aaron Benstead made 51 and Ian Fairley 58. In reply only P. Marshall showed any resistance with 65, as Mellor were eventually all out for 148. Romiley were inserted at home to High Lane but were soon all out for 107. In reply A. Reeve took 4 é 41, but the visitors limped home for the loss of 7 wickets.

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