DANNY Delvard is urging his Tonge players to enjoy the challenge of securing promotion in the Association and not worry too much about the outcome.

The outgoing captain has taken all the pressure off his high-flyers, who secured a rain-affected victory over rivals Golborne to cement their place in the top two on Saturday.

Delvard’s side also took advantage of Little Lever’s slip-up against Heaton, who were fired by teenager Joe Ball’s brilliant 185 not out.

Hosts Tonge restricted Golborne to 150-9 inside 35 overs at Castle Hill before being set a revised target of 118 in 22 overs, which they achieved with six wickets in hand needing a single off the last ball.

Overseas seamer Cameron Lucas was their star with 7-46.

Tonge are now two points ahead of third-placed Adlington and four behind leaders Little Lever, and they face both as well as fellow challengers Astley Bridge in three successive weeks from mid-August to early-September.

“There’s no pressure on us,” said Delvard, who will retire from playing at the end of the season to take on the role of cricket manager.

“When was the last time Tonge CC were second in the league, and second for four weeks?

“We’ll give it our best shot, and if it doesn't work out for us at least we tried. I truly believe we have the ability, it’s just about maturity from here and game management.

“If we get promoted, next year will be what it will be. Look at Atherton and Daisy Hill. They’re both good sides, but they’ve found it tough.

“What I’ve said to the boys is ‘as difficult as it may be next year if we go up, you’ve got to try and gain the opportunity to test yourselves’.”

While Delvard is taking a relaxed approach, his desire to achieve success burns strong.

“We’re pleased because we’ve bowled them out for 150 in reduced overs,” he said.

“Duckworth Lewis came into it, and Golborne gave me the opportunity to shake hands on a draw. But when I got the final target from the umpires, we made a decision as a team to go for it.

“It’s a pleasing result because I know other teams have not been able to finish their games, and that’s to our advantage.

“I don’t like taking advantage of other people’s misfortune, but we’re at that stage of the season where every point counts.”

He describes their current form – five wins on the bounce – as “a team effort”, hailing their fielding and Lucas’s seven-for on Saturday: “I’m chuffed to bits,” he said.

Looking a bit further ahead to next season, Alex Rodzoch is heading the queue for the captaincy.

“We’ve had a couple of lads express an interest, but Alex has almost stepped into that role on-field with me as a vice this season,” added Delvard.

“To be fair, the results speak for themselves. He’s putting himself into a very, very strong position to be the next skipper of Tonge.

“He’s probably done the job for the majority of the season with me being around helping him.”