READ crashed their way to victory with a spectacular late smash and grab raid against Settle.

The Dalesmen set a total of 230-1 with Mark Verden scoring 83, David Morrell 76 not out and Tim Green undefeated on 53. The home side fell a long way behind the run rate and needed 110 runs off the last 10 overs of the match, but then the big hitting clicked into gear and they won with four overs to spare. Shahid Nawaz rattled up 53, Peter Usher was 38 not out and Mick Greenhalgh scored 36.

Cherry Tree are strolling away at the top of the table after a convincing victory over Earby. Ian Simpson scored 106 for the league leaders with Earby professional Jonathan Harvey 67. Naeem Ashraf took 5-83.

Whalley's good run ended with a bump as Edenfield's John Ashley took 6-38. The Ribble Valley side were dismissed for 60 and Edenfield knocked them off without loss. Clitheroe collected five points against Blackburn Northern who had professional Chetan Sharma to thank for giving their score some respectability with 80. Jonathan Fielding (81no) saw Clitheroe to the points.

Barnoldswick took seven points off Baxenden despite David Usher's six wickets.

Oswaldtwistle Immanuel set a target of 208-6 with Roger Watson 71 and captain Gerard Metcalfe 52 not out leading the way. But Ribblesdale professional Gurinder Singh led his side to victory with an impressive 123 not out.

Great Harwood were dismissed for 161 as veteran Stephen Gee picked up eight wickets for 66 runs and the Arbories side took a three wicket win. Salesbury won the Lawrenson Cup with a comfortable victory over Earby 2nd.

Results: Cherry Tree 227-5 (7 pts), Earby 197; Edenfield 62-0 (7), Whalley 60; Clitheroe 147-3 (5), Blackburn Northern 143-6; Settle 230-1, Read 231-7 (5); Barnoldswick 153-8 (7), Baxenden 115; Oswaldtwistle 208-6, Ribblesdale Wdrs 209-5; Great Harwood 161, Padiham 178-7 (7).

Lawrenson Cup: Salesbury 243-5, Earby 2nd 191.

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