BARNOLDSWICK grabbed a spectacular two run victory in the Vaux Ramsbottom Cup as Great Harwood just failed on the semi final run-chase.

Victory Park professional James Peterson led Barnoldswick's batting attack with 79, backed up by Lee Nayor (63).

Great Hartwood looked to have the total in their sights until a spell of tight bowling pegged them back, a six off the penultimate ball left them needing three runs to win but the ball went harmlessly through to the keeper.

Shahid Nawaz (111) and Terry Little (88no) made an eight-wicket victory over Earby look very easy in the other semi final.

Paul Tilbury (67no) and Stephen Hipgrave (73no) top scored for Earby as they set a 249-4 target.

Barnoldswick increased the pressure in the league with a 72-run victory over Clitheroe to take them within two points of Read at the top of the table. Peterson scored 117 and Ian Scothern 79 in Barnoldswick's 237-3 total.

Earby defeated Read thanks to 138 not out from professional Jonathan Harvey. Nawaz added to his impressive run haul with 79 backed up by Pete Usher (56) and Steve Rushton (52) as they reached a 234-4 total.

Blackburn Northern share second place after beating Great Harwood with Nigel Robbins scoring 91 not out.

Ribblesdale Wanderers defeated Settle with John Raine (62no) leading the way, while Tim Green scored 60 in Settle's reply.

Cherry Tree defeated Whalley despite being bowled out for 160. John Hughes picked up 6-48 as Whalley were dismissed for 155.

Edenfield claimed a two wicket win over Oswaldtwistle in the last over with a fine innings of 73 from Oswaldtwistle professional Gardener the highlights of the game.

Padiham picked up five points from their 82-run victory over Baxenden.

Ramsbottom Cup results: Earby 249-4, Read 250-2; Barnoldswick 216-7, Gt Harwood 214-9.

League: Barnoldswick 237-3 (5pts), Clitheroe 165-8; Baxenden 146-3, Padiham 228-9 (5); Cherry Tree 160 (7), Whalley 155 (2); Earby 235-5 (5), Read 234-4; Gt Harwood 180, Blackburn Northern 217-7 (7); Oswaldtwistle Im 163-7, Edenfield 165-8 (5); Settle 161-9, Ribblesdale Wanderers 176-6 (5).

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