CAPTAIN Josh Gent has hailed the diversity of performers within his side that is driving Little Lever on towards the Association title and promotion.

Little Lever secured a crucial home win against fellow challengers Golborne on Saturday to bounce back from successive defeats to Heaton and Blackrod.

They beat Golborne by three wickets on Duckworth Lewis as they chased 226 and were on course at 205-7 in the 46th over when the rain came.

It means they sit eight points clear of second-placed Adlington at the top with four games remaining and, more importantly, nine clear of Golborne and Tonge in third and fourth.

“If we beat Tonge and Darcy Lever in the next two games, that should do it, although I’m aiming to win all four,” said Gent.

“I think we’re the best side in the league when we turn up and apply ourselves.

“In the last two weeks, we haven't.

“It doesn't matter what standard of sport you play, whatever game, if you turn up and aren't very good you’re more than likely going to lose.

“That’s what we had to do on Saturday, and we did.”

Golborne were bowled out for 225 as pro Adil Nisar claimed 5-44 from 16 overs and Ruan Van De Merwe, their fast bowling overseas amateur, 3-40 from 10.5.

The visitors were 171-2 in the 37th over with Joe Smith (66) and pro Adnan Raees, who top-scored with 88, at the crease.

In reply, Little Lever were 129-6 in the 32nd over with Harvey Wilson (47) and Adam Carter (43) out.

But Simon Anderton’s unbeaten 39 – his 2018 best – proved crucial in steering his side home.

Gent said: “They were in a great position and should have got 300. But we kept battling away. We got their pro out and a couple more wickets and put the pressure on.

“We’ve won it the field. The pro and Van De Merwe have bowled well.

“We’ve been looking for a big performance from the pro for weeks. He’s a batting pro, but it just hasn't happened for him this season for one reason or another – injuries, a bit of luck, a few good catches.

“Still, we’ve been winning games.

“At 120-6, you might think ‘They’re not favourites here’. But that doesn't mean anything to us. 120-8 and we’ve still got lads who can get 50 or 60.

“If you look back through our scorecards, there will be one person different who’s stood up and took it on.

“That’s why I expect us to win the league.

“When you talk about Simon, he’s something like the second or third leading runs-scorer in this league of all time. He’s got around 18,000 runs. He hasn't had as good a season this year, but he’s still a very good player.

“It’s a great time to post your best score of the season.

“We were without Curtis Anderton, who I said last week is the best bowler in the league. He was on holiday.

“He bowls 18 overs week in, week out, That was a major plus for us, winning without him.”