LEADERS Settle took a big step towards winning the Ribblesdale Cricket League title with victory over second-placed Read.

This 48-run triumph was set up by the North Yorkshire side posting 191-6 batting first.

Having won the toss and elected to bat Darryl Husbands, 78, and Ashen Silva, 44, added 116 together.

The required acceleration was provided by Tom Davidson who made 38 in 27 balls.

In reply, Will Wrathall made a run-a-ball 49 but the usually strong Read batting failed as they were dismissed for 143.

Eddy Read continued his good form with the ball with 4-54 and was backed up by Silva who took 4-29.

Sitting 33 points clear at the top, it is now Settle’s title to lose with four games to play.

Third-placed Padiham gained ground on Read with an eight-wicket win over Brinscall.

The Ramsbottom cup finalists were dismissed for 78 with Padiham reduced to 26-2 before reaching their target without losing another wicket.

Fourth-placed Salesbury were eight-wicket winners over Euxton.

The visitors were all out for 97 with the only partnership of note being between Andrew Winrow, 33, and Madushan Ravichandkumar, 29.

Hashan Ramanayake took 5-34 before completing a fine day with 56 not out to guide his side to victory.

Whalley went down to a heavy defeat at home to Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.

Last year’s champions have found it a real struggle this season but posted 182-6.

Imran Khalid made 77 off 72 balls before taking 6-30 to complete a memorable day, Whalley all out for just 82.

Barnoldswick lead the way in Section B and cemented top spot with a 192-run win over Baxenden.

Jack Rietschel made 87 in the total of 267, Edward Aspinall taking 5-72. Aneeq Hussain made 50 of Baxenden's 75 all out but they had no answer to Chalana De Silva who took 8-30. 

Second-placed Ribblesdale Wanderers cruised to victory over Feniscowles.

Andrew Needham, 88, and Michael English, 199 not out, shared a partnership of 179 in a total of 270-3. Feniscowles were all out for 106.

Earby were six-run winners over Cherry Tree thanks to 51 from Jason Lockley.