CRICKET: Padiham hit top spot

Professional Mark Harvey led the way with 128 backed up by 77 not out from John Hartley, as Padiham reached 292-3. The total was far too much for Edenfield who crumbled to 150 all out despite 65 from Andy Wright.

Cherry Tree suffered a nightmare day at the hands of Read. They were restricted to 161-8 with Peter Sleep taking five wickets for 55 runs. Read secured a nine wicket win with Terry Little 56 not out.

Clitheroe took maximum points against Oswaldtwistle Immanuel who lost their last five wickets for just two runs.

Clitheroe's score did not look too impressive as they were dismissed for 189 with Stephen Benjamin 90 not out as Gerard Metcalfe took 5-46. Immanuel were 165-5 with Russ Whalley on 47, but Neil Bolton captured 6-57 as the side collapsed.

Great Harwood kept their title hopes alive with victory over third placed Ribblesdale Wanderers, but it was a close run thing. Ribblesdale reached 194 and Great Harwood scraped home with nine wickets down. Earby struggled to make runs on a perfect batting day with Stephen Pickles 77 leading the way. Whalley made certain of a nine wicket win with Mark Fallon 83 not out and Graham Knowles 58 not out.

Baxenden raced to 221-4 against Blackburn Northern with Mark Rishton scoring 64. They then skittled Northern for just 83 with professional Mark Lomas picking up seven wickets for 43 runs.

Settle took the honours against Barnoldswick after setting a target of 179-9. Barnoldswick opener Ian Scothern batted through on 85 not out but his side were left clinging on at 158-9.

Scores: Baxenden 221-4 (7pts), Blackburn Northern 83 (0); Cherry Tree 161-8 (0), Read 163-1 (5); Earby 168-8 (0), Whalley 170-1 (5); Edenfield 150 (0), Padiham 292-3 (7); Oswaldtwistle 167 (2), Clitheroe 189 (7); Ribblesdale W 194 (0), Gt Harwood 198-9 (7); Settle 179-9 (5), Barnoldswick 158-9 (0).

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