CLITHEROE skipper Paul Gaskell insists his side are not looking at a Ribblesdale League and LCB Knockout double despite weekend performances leaving them poised for success in both.

Gaskell’s men returned to the top of the league on Saturday with a victory over Padiham and on Sunday they ended Burnley’s hopes of completing a clean sweep of trophies with a thrilling quarter-final victory.

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The six-wicket win over Burnley means Clitheroe will host Bootle in the last four next month and with the fate of the league title in their own hands the season is threatening to turn into a memorable one for the Chatburn Road club.

But Gaskell is not popping the champagne corks just yet.

“We’ve just to keep doing what we are doing,” said the skipper.

“It was a great result against Burnley and it is the second year in the row we have reached the semi-finals.

“We know Bootle will be a tough game but it is a home game and we are going into all our home games thinking we can beat anyone.

“We’re not thinking about a double yet, it will be nip and tuck in both competitions.”

At one stage, play in the quarter final threatened to be washed out by the weather with persistent rain meaning the tie didn’t start until 4pm and was reduced to 20 overs a side.

But Clitheroe didn’t let the delay affect them and a strong all-round performance, against a side who had lifted the Lancashire League Twenty20 title on Friday night, ensured they reached the last four for the second successive year.

“I don’t think the T20 format suited us,” Gaskell added.

“It was a bit of a strange day with the rain but fortunately we managed to get it played.

“I think that is what everyone wanted.

“There was no reserve day and with Burnley doing so well in everything and with our fixtures as well we were struggling to get another date in.

“It could have ended up as a bowl off and I don’t think anyone wanted that.”

Gaskell was quick to praise the whole side for their involvement in the victory, with professional Janaka Gunarantne anchoring the innings and local lad Matt Caulker hitting the winning runs.

“We bowled and fielded really well.

“It was a bit nervy in the end but the pro batted well. I don’t think his innings will attract lots of attention or be remembered like some of the hundreds he has scored but it was a great knock.

“It was also good to see Matt hit the winning runs as he has been with the club for several years.”

The win over Burnley came 24 hours after a victory over Padiham in the league which, with title rivals Settle not playing, lifted Clitheroe back to the top.

“Before the weekend it was a big couple of days for us because Padiham are a very dangers side,” said Gaskell.

“In the end we got two wins.

“We have to keep doing what we are doing and trying to win our games and hopefully that will lead to the title “We have to keep focussing on the league games and try to make sure we stay ahead of Settle and are on top at the end.”