THE Ribblesdale Cricket League came to a close with the final promotion and relegation places decided without a bowl being bowled.

Rain meant the entire programme was a washout so it was the weather that had the final word.

While Oswaldtwistle Immanuel had already been crowned Section A champions with Salesbury taking the honours in Section B, there was still plenty up for grabs in the final weekend of the season.

In the fight for second place, Read knew they had to equal or better the result of reigning champions Settle to finish as runners-up.

But with their home matches against Baxenden and Cherry Tree respectively falling foul of the weather, it was Read who took second spot.

With Baxenden already relegated it was either Barnoldswick or Padiham who were set to join them.

But without a bowl being bowled, it was Barnoldswick, who started the day second from bottom, who didn’t get the chance to fight their corner and they were also relegated to Section B.

League chairiman Bill Slinger praised champions Oswaldtwistle Immanuel for their title winning season.

He said: “Oswaldtwistle have had an excellent season with a very strong professional supported by a good amateur team.

“The amateurs have all contributed to their success by putting in a match winning performance during the season. Read had a strong finish to the season as the title favourites Settle had a poor run in the last sector of the season. Baxenden and Barnoldswick will no doubt be disappointed to be relegated.

“The value of the promotion and relegation is that but for the weather the above issues would have been settled during Saturday’s matches.”

In Section B Salesbury had already been promoted and crowned as Section Winners.

Brinscall held pole position over Ribblesdale Wanderers and the lack of play meant it was Brinscall who were also promoted to Section A for next season.

“Salesbury have had an excellent season particularly the second half and fully deserve promotion back to Section A and the Section Winners Trophy,” added Slinger. “Brinscall have pushed them all the way and in any other season their performances would most likely have won the Section.

“However, I am sure they will be looking forward to taking their place in Section A and building for the future”

Meanwhile, the T20 finals day, which has twice been postponed and was due to be played yesterday once again fell foul of the weather.

League officials say the event will now take place on the first Bank Holiday in May, 2019.