Farnworth Social Circle continue to lead the way in the Anthony Axford North West Cricket League Conference Premiership.

However, they have played a game more than the three teams chasing them.

Elsewhere, Foulridge continued their poor 2024 campaign while Astley Bridge won their fourth game of the season with the aim to stay in the division next year.

In the latest round of matches, the highest score of the top division came at the Nori Arena where Read scored an outstanding 314-4 against Burnley Belvedere seconds, with Mohammed Zafran top-scoring with 108 complemented by half-centuries from Mohammed Zakriyah (70), Henry Higson (58 not out), and Elliot Lowes (51).

Burnley were dismissed for 235, with Saqib Ali and Kashif Parvaiz both top-scoring with 39 after Jamie Woodall took 4-80.

Farnworth had a comfortable victory at home against Foulridge firsts. The latter were bowled out for 97 after Sajid Mahmood took 3-29. Farnworth won the game by six wickets, with Aaqib Javed top-scoring with 35.

Astley Bridge visited Cherry Tree and were dismissed for 136, with Ady Cooper scoring 54 after Jack Fenwick took 4-43. After losing four wickets in six balls at the start of their innings, Cherry Tree were bowled out for 104 after Paresh Patail took 4-38.

A high-scoring game at Piggott Park saw Farnworth Social Circle defeat Little Lever by four wickets. Little Lever were dismissed for 233, with captain Louis Partington top-scoring with 104. Social Circle chased this total after 42.3 overs with four wickets in hand as David Tonge scored 62.

Salesbury diminished their chances of winning the league after losing to Ribblesdale Wanderers at Church Meadow. Ribblesdale scored 147-9 off their 45 overs, with Andrew Hutchins top-scoring with 49. Salesbury were then dismissed for 114 after Travis Blezard (4-25) and Jack Fielding (4-19) took four wickets apiece.

In the Conference Two division, Barrowford seconds had a comprehensive victory as they hosted Barnoldswick. Barrowford scored a fantastic 315-6 off their 45 overs, with Ansar Mahmood top-scoring with 129 followed by 63 from Shuja Rashid and 50no from Ather Waheed. Barnoldswick then scored 191-8, with Michael Rawson top-scoring with 49.

Padiham had a comprehensive victory as they visited Brinscall. The latter were dismissed for 81 after Jimmy Gray took 6-26. In response, Padiham chased the total after losing only one wicket with Rhys Meehan scoring a quick 52no.

Feniscowles won their fourth game of the season as they hosted Chatburn. Feniscowles were bowled out for 138, with David Crutchley top-scoring with 37 after Jamie Birtwell-Jones took 4-36. Chatburn were then dismissed for 90 after Joseph Callaghan took 4-43.

An outstanding game at the Noyna Rock Ground saw 712 runs in one match between Foulridge seconds and Walkden. The latter scored 472-9 with half-centuries from Imran Ali (88), Umer Ishaq (84), Sarfiraz Jan (54) and Sehran Khan (51). In reply, Foulridge were bowled out for a respectable 240, with Daniel Kelly and Jabbran Sajjad top-scoring with 62 after Imran Ali took 4-76.

Burnley Belvedere firsts won their ninth game of the season as they visited Kearsley. The hosts were dismissed for 98 after Muhammad Yahya took 5-25. Burnley won by six wickets as Husnain Sharif scored an unbeaten 44.

Lostock moved into fourth after a seven-wicket victory against Earby, who were bowled out for 148 with Lucas Lockley top-scoring with 39 after Darren Parr took 4-63. Lostock chased the total with 8.1 overs to spare after Stephen Kaye scored an unbeaten 58.

Eagley moved into 12th following their victory against Oswaldtwistle Immanuel. Oswaldtwistle were dismissed for 104 and Eagley won by four wickets after Michael Craig scored 32no.

Tonge lost their eighth game of the season as they hosted Baxenden at Castle Hill. Baxenden were bowled out for 219, with Adam Nawaz top-scoring with 74. Tonge were then dismissed for 172, with Connor Thomson top-scoring with 70.