PROFESSIONAL Peter Sleep led Read to a six-wicket victory over early leaders Settle in the Jennings Ribblesdale League.

Sleep batted through his side's innings, scoring 77 not out, partnered for much of it by Terry Little who added 65.

Earlier Settle had set a target of 197-7 with Mark Verden scoring 76 in big-hitting style, including eight fours and five sixes before falling to a superb running catch by Little.

Clitheroe kept up their chase by taking maximum points off Barnoldswick, who were dismissed for 118 with wicket keeper Ian Scothern scoring 56. Neil Bolton continued his impressive spell with the bat, scoring 75 not out as Clitheroe cruised to a nine-wicket win.

Cherry Tree share third spot with Ribblesdale Wanderers after pulling off an impressive five-wicket win at Padiham. The home side reached 213-6 with Umar Sadique leading the way on 58. Mark Veevers (52) and Lee Kennedy (56) saw Cherry Tree to victory.

Ribblesdale were beaten by Oswaldtwistle in a thrilling game which went down to the last ball. Wanderers were restricted to 143-9, with Ossie professional Wesley Morrick taking 5-75. His side then secured victory off the last ball of the game with nine wickets down.

Great Harwood moved up the table after picking up maximum points against Edenfield. Russell Whalley was again on top form, blasting 69 from 72 balls as Harwood reached 199-8 despite Edenfield professional Ian Mitchell taking 6-67.

Mitchell continued his good form, scoring 59, but Edenfield were dismissed for 101 with Stuart Mayor taking six wickets for just 18 runs.

Earby let victory slip from their grasp after setting a total of 208-7 for Whalley to chase. Applegarth professional Stephen Crook scored 51, but was unable to work his magic with the ball as Whalley won by four wickets, with professional Neil Cordingley scoring 49 and Andy Pratt adding 47 to see them within sight of victory.