CHERRY Tree crept into next season’s Lancashire Cup after stealing the show in the final day of the season on Saturday.

Jon Baldwin’s men hammered Ribblesdale Wanderers to secure the prized fifth spot in the Ribblesdale League and final place in the county cup on a marvellous display.

Batting first, the Blackburn side racked up 163-7 from their reduced 40 overs with Paul Turner (47) and Mark Hadfield (46) leading the way.

Scott Friend was unbeaten on 41 as David Howard claimed four wickets for Wanderers.

And then Dan Lord claimed 5-47 in a tremendous spell and Andreas Sudnik claimed 4-7 from five overs as Cherry Tree roared home, skittling Wanderers for just 81.

Padiham’s chances of a top-five finish were ended as their game at Settle was abandoned due to an unfit Marshfield pitch and it was a similar story at Station Road as Whalley and Baxenden were frustrated by the weather.

Barnoldswick secured fourth place as they beat Edenfield at Gincroft Lane, getting home by 22 runs, while Earby finished their campaign on a high with a 54-run Applegarth win over Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.

Long time title challengers Read had to settle for second spot after losing their final game to Great Harwood.

Harwood batted well and racked up 230-6 before Read replied with 205 all out – but that was immaterial as Clitheroe’s abandoned match with Salesbury handed them the title.