CLITHEROE skipper Neil Bolton saluted his team after they became VEKA Ribblesdale League senior division champions for the first time since 1994.

Back to back weekend victories over Whalley and Ribblesdale Wanderers plus defeats yesterday for Settle and Baxenden ensured the title went to the Chatburn Road team.

And it completes a remarkable season for Bolton's boys as they have also lifted the Ramsbottom Cup and won the 20/20 competition.

"I think it's going to be a long time before anyone comes close to equalling this achievement," said proud Bolton.

"It's been a fantastic season and we've deserved everything that's come our way.

"We've got an exceptional pro in Shahid Nawaz but it's been a real team effort.

"I said at the start of the season we probably had the best bowling attack in the league. And virtually all season we haven't had to chase massive totals."

Clitheroe have clinched the crown with three games to spare though Bolton admitted: "It was a strange feeling the way we did it.

"We knew Baxenden had lost and then news came through Settle had been beaten as well. Normally you associate winning a title with someone striking a boundary or grabbing the last wicket.

"But we'll take it."

Clitheroe's success overshadowed brilliant batting displays from Earby paid man Ali Azmat.

He smashed 116 from 65 balls against Oswaldtwistle Immanuel and followed up with 140 from 125 balls against Barnoldswick.

Ribblesdale Wanderers' David Howard took a hat-trick against Great Harwood but finished on the losing side.