It’s as you were at the top of the Houldsworth Ribblesdale League as Clitheroe and Read secured convincing wins.
With champions Barnoldswick back in the groove with success at Salesbury, the top three secured victories for the collective loss of just five wickets.
Liam Bedford and Imran Khaild hit half centuries as Barlick passed Salesbury’s 152 for only the loss of Bedford’s wicket for 51.
Earby lost to Baxenden at the Applegarth. Richard Craddock and Jake Hargreaves reduced the visitors to 37-3, before Baxenden captain Gary Sudworth led the recovery with a controlled 35, along with Callum Waddington’s hard-hitting 59, and these two and a wag from the tail took Baxenden to 184-9.
Craddock ended with 4-63 and Jake Hargreaves 3-44.
In reply, both openers were back in the pavilion for 13, but professional Fahid Rehman and Aaron Pollard took the score to 90 before Pollard was lbw for 27. A couple of quick wickets, including the pro for 49, left Earby rocking on 96-5.
Danny Kegg (22) and Richard Craddock (28) and 40 runs were required when Craddock became Sudworth’s sixth wicket. But Kegg fell at 161, and the innings then closed at 171-9, Sudworth with 7-57.
Tomorrow, Read host Barnoldswick, and Earby are at Great Harwood.