THE first round of the Jennings Ramsbottom Cup was packed with tension and incident.

The closest finish of the day was at Ribblesdale Wanderers, where Shahid Nawaz hit 91 to set a victory target of 194 for Baxenden.

And, with nine wickets down, Baxenden fell just one run short of a tie.

Cup holders Cherry Tree are into the semi-finals after a nailbiter at Barnoldswick.

A depleted Cherry Tree batted first and scored 132-9 on a tricky wicket.

Rain on Saturday forced resumption on Sunday, with Barnoldswick on 20-2 in their reply.

Substitute Paul Ridgway threatened to overhaul the Cherry Tree target but became one of four victims for skipper David Hayes at a crucial stage.

That was shortly after keeper Lee Kennedy had been taken to hospital after being hit in the mouth.

Barnoldswick needed six off the final ball but were unable to score.

A magificent eight wicket partnership by Padiham pair Sean Rashid and Andrew Robinson, who both finished unbeaten on 57, rescued Padiham against Earby. The 193 total was too much as professional Mark Harvey took 5-37 as Earby were skittled for 118.

Surendra Bhave was in the runs agains for Settle scoring 112 out of 184 to set up victory against Edenfield who struggled to 122-8.

Clitheroe set a victory target of 156 at Oswaldtwistle and a fine stand between preofessional Russell Whalley (80) and Duncan Watson (52 not out) saw Immanuel home for the loss of one wicket.

Great Harwood were comfortable winners against Blackburn Northern, who were bowled out for 104 chasing 206.

And 58 from former East Lancs man David Pearson was the backbone of Whalley's 166-6 before Read crumpled to 71 all out in reply.

REVISED DRAW: Padiham v Settle, Oswaldtwistle v Ribblesdale Wanderers, Great Harwood v Whalley, Bye: Cherry Tree.

JENNINGS RAMSBOTTOM CUP RESULTS (round one): Padiham 193-7 (S Rashid 57, A Robinson 57), Earby 118 (M Harvey 5-37); Settle 184-8 (S Bhave 112), Edenfield 122-8; Oswaldtwistle I 158-1 (R Whalley 80, D Watson 52), Clitheroe 155-8; Ribblesdale W 193-9 (S Nawaz 91), Baxenden 192-9; Barnoldswick 127-9, Cherry Tree 132-9; Great Harwood 205-7, Blackburn N 104; Whalley 166-6 (D Pearson 58), Read 71.

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