It seems champions Baxenden are in the race for a runners-up spot after Barnoldswick opened up a 31-point gap at the top of the Ribblesdale League with eight matches to go.

Barlick’s game with Edenfield was lost to the weather but Bash recorded a victory over second-placed Read to help Barnoldswick.

It was a much-needed win for Baxenden after losing to Edenfield the week before as they look to overtake Read.

Mohammed Jamal top scored with 55 for Read as they finished on 193-5 with Kamran Younas (2-87) and Liam Riley (2-62) taking the wickets.

Bash’s target was re-set at 173 due to the rain and professional Younas hit a quickfire 60 in 44 balls before wickets fell to leave the match wide open.

But former captain Andy Caunce hit a late 28 off 30 balls before Danny Holland smashed an unbeaten 25 off 33 balls to seal a three-wicket win that moves them to within three points of second spot.

Baxenden will be hoping to build on this tomorrow when they welcome Salesbury to Back Lane.

Great Harwood are looking towards the top half of the table after victory over then fourth-placed Settle. Harwood had Settle on the rack at 38-4 before they finally made it to 134.

The rain saw Harwood aim for 125 and pro Syed Shahabuddin hit a half century to see his side home to a four-wicket victory.

On Sunday, after winning the Ribblesdale League Twenty20, Harwood went through to the ECB semi-finals – the national Twenty20 competition.

They faced Great Ayton, winners of the North Yorkshire and Durham League T20, at Oulton CC but couldn’t get past them. Harwood weren’t allowed to use Shahabuddin, due to competition rules. He is back for tomorrow’s clash at sixth-placed Padiham.

Finally Oswaldtwistle Immanuel lost out to mid-table Whalley. Andrew Metcalf finished with 3-53, Jon Baldwin 2-45 and Gerard Metcalf 2-66 as Whalley made 168-9.

Immanuel suffered a blow when pro Chris Cook-Martin fell with the score on just seven and, despite 26 from Oliver Clare and 21 from Baldwin, it was Whalley who celebrated the win thanks to six wickets from Simon Gorton.

Immanuel welcome Earby to New Lane tomorrow.