Vaux Ribblesdale League

RAIN wrecked Saturday's league programme in the Vaux Ribblesdale League.

Many games were poised for close finishes when thunderstorms struck across the district.

Settle professional Surendra Bhave scored 101 not out with Mark Verden adding 56 as they posted a target of 195-5, but Ribblesdale were on 79-3 after 19 overs when the rains came.

Professional John Ashley scored a half century for Edenfield after their game with Earby had been reduced to 29 overs, and the Applegarth club were going well on 111-2 when the match was abandoned. Earby skipper Steve Rushton scored 56.

Oswaldtwistle Immanuel looked to have Cherry Tree in trouble after Roger Watson scored 40. Naeem Ashraf had taken five wickets for Cherry Tree including there in the final over.

The champions were struggling on 56-4 when rain saved the day.

Padiham professional Mark Harvey continued his superb form with the bat scoring 81 not out and Andy McNicholas added 62 as they reached 211-4. Blackburn Northern were on 71-3 with Stephen Gee taking all three wickets for 10 runs when the match ended. Mark Fallon was on form for Whalley with 95 not out in their 186-2 and Read had reached 54-4 when rain struck.

Great Harwood rattled up 166-7 in their game with Barnoldswick which had been reduced to 28 overs and the Victory Park club were on 58-2 when the match was abandoned.

Clitheroe scored 138-9 and Baxenden were on 80-3, but could not reach a result. All clubs received two points from the no result games.

Results: Barnoldswick 58-2 (2), Great Harwood 166-7 (2); Baxenden 80-3 (2), Clitheroe 138-9 (2); Earby 111-2 (2), Edenfield 149-6 (2); Oswaldtwistle 185 (2), Cherry Tree 56-4 (2); Padiham 211-4 (2), Blackburn Northern 71-3 (2); Ribblesdale W 79-3 (2), Settle 195-5 (2); Whalley 186-2 (2), Read 54-4 (2).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.