RIBBLE Valley District Under 11s have reached the second phase of the county competition after a near faultless week of cricket.

Having started up with a win against Fylde, victories over Lancaster, Wyre and Blackpool meant that they were uncatchable at the top of their division.

The Valley side got off to winning ways with a convincing performance away to Fylde at St Anne’s. The home side opted to bat but were soon in trouble against the Valley’s excellent bowling attack.

Clitheroe pair Dom Stewart and Charlie Dewhurst restricted the Fylde’s opening pair before Will Wrathall and Joe Shirtcliffe piled on the pressure - Shirtcliffe taking three wickets from his four overs. Eli Smith of Clitheroe and Sebastian Dean took two wickets apiece before Frankie Jackson and James Scorah, both of Clitheroe, finished off Fylde who were bowled out for 66.

The Ribble Valley reached their total within 13 overs thanks to impressive knocks from Alex Mason (25), Charlie Dewhurst (11) and Harry Smith (18no).

Against Blackpool, Mason again shone with the bat, scoring 34, with Dean hitting 25 and the Ribble Valley cruised to victory after bowling Blackpool out for 78. It was another awesome batting display against Lancaster, Dean top scoring with a fantastic 50.

They saved the best until last against unbeaten Wyre. A patient but brilliant knock by Mason was the cornerstone of their 147 total. In reply, Wyre were bowled out for 56 thanks to Eli Smith’s five wickets for six runs.