THE GUARDIAN Cup took centre stage in Saturday's Warrington Soccer League programme.

Ian Pickett led the cavalry charge by scoring a treble for Crosfields as they overran Crontonians 9-0. Cyril Fitzpatrick and Mark Caven each weighed in with a brace while there were others from Craig Canning and Paul Atherton.

Safeway won 8-1 at Lomax. Andrew Bircham, three, Paul Fearnley, two, Stephen Lee, Phil Wilson and Paul Williams were the missile men.

A 12-goal thriller saw Penlake overcome Beeches 7-5. The deadly trio of Shaun McKegan with three and doubles apiece from Ian Roach and Jamie Houghton were the marksmen for the victors.

Sasib saw off a woeful Winwick Utd side 7-1. Sean Corrigan set the scene with a hat-trick while others came from Mark Williams, Douglas Boyle, Phil Bedson and Ian Senior with Morris Duckworth replying.

Another treble man was Penketh Utd's Neil Murphy. His effort alongside two from regular hitman Stuart Cunliffe and one by Garath Williams gave them a 6-0 romp at the expense of Rylands.

Fearnhead won 5-3 at Orford YC, the bounty hunters being Karl Burton, two, Johnny Brennan, Paul Appleton and Steve Bate.

Riverplate were 2-0 down against St. Michaels but bounced back to win 3-2. Steve Clay bagged two but the real hero was Martin Haran who, with five minutes remaining, hit the bullseye with a sumptuous strike from an acute angle.

Long range efforts from Chris Johnson and John Snow plus one by Craig Hardman and a first for the club by Matt Edgerton gave Lockers a 4-0 success over Rainhill Town.

Irlam Catholic Club pipped Moore Utd 3-2. Lee Newbold, James Boardman and Paul Chapman netted for the hosts while Kris Taylor replied with a couple.

Sidac's Ian Fraser hit an extra time winner as they overcame Vulcan 2-1. Graham Mitchell also found the net for the victors.

In the Rylands Cup, for reserve teams, Halton Borough gave Crosfields' leaky defence a torrid time as they won 9-2. Gary Harkin led the spree with four, Paul Butler weighed in with a double with one apiece coming from Kenny Price, David Barnes and substitute John Martin. Replies from Crosfields came courtesy of Rob Hall and Gavin Thompson.

Halton Thirds went down 6-2 at home to Padgate St. Oswalds. Solo strikes came from Stuart Dignall and Lee Cullerton while Oswalds have to thank Paul Berwick who managed a quadruple and solos by Dave Squires and Matthew Williams.

Sidac overcame Lymm Rangers 5-0. Two from Dave Pickervance and one each came from Mike Travis, Dennis Hussey and Neil Houghton.

Darren Powell, Lee Kinsey and Chris Wright struck to give Safeway a 3-1 success over Widnes R&S.

Scott Taylor and Darren Higgin efforts gave Moore a 2-0 win at Fearnhead.

The hungry quartet of Rob Whittaker, Julian Parrington, Matt Topping and Dave Mercer gave Grappenhall Sports a 4-1 win in a Division One success over Blackbrook.