Ribblesdale League champions Barnoldswick made the most of Clitheroe’s rare slip by completing a 55-run win at Brooksbottom.
Bowled out for 130, the Victory Park side possibly wondered if their total was enough.
However sub professional, Adnan Rasool, recruited from Burnley , weighed in with 5-36 and the home team were bowled out for 75. Barnoldswick trail by 25 points with 11 games to go.
Meanwhile, Barnoldswick reached the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Cricket Board Knockout Trophy on Sunday with a six-wicket win at Egerton of the Bolton League, as Matt Nutter hit 72.
They are now at home to Heywood in the last eight.
Earby lost at Ribblesdale Wanderers by five runs.
Pete Baistow’s face said it all when he lost the toss and was asked to take to the field.
Pro Ben Dougall (61) and Brannon Varley (52) helped leave Earby a target of 218 to win, Chris Walton returning figures of 3-43 off 10.
In reply, professional, Fahid Rehman who batted agressively for 84 before he ran out of steam with the score on 159.
Martyn Windle and Matt Garner fought hard to chase down the final few runs but just fell just short.
Tomorrow Earby are at Brooksbottom, while Barnoldswick travel to face Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.