WHALLEY made full use of their game in hand to close the gap on inactive Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League leaders Clitheroe as they proved far too good for Euxton, while Great Harwood’s impressive run continued and stuttering Read were beaten again.

Whalley got off to a bad start with both openers James Galling and Richard Lamb falling for one as Euxton sensed an upset.

But 21 from Wilkin Mota and 40 from Lee Kearsley gave Whalley momentum as they managed to post 148-9 from their 45 overs with Preston White claiming four wickets with his left-arm seam.

White then took the attack to Whalley scoring 57 but only James Proctor could manage double figures as Euxton crashed to 101 all out with four wickets for Mota and three for Simon Gorton.

Great Harwood brushed aside Earby at The Applegarth. Harwood posted 189 as Richard Craddock and David Crotty both claimed four wickets as Allan Armer made a half-century.

Earby slumped to 49-5 in reply and were eventually all out for just 113.

Read were well beaten at Oswaldtwistle Immanuel as Andrew Metcalf claimed 5-40 and Andreas Sudnik picked up 4-47 as they were dashed out for 122.

Phil Howard hit 60 and Daniel Metcalf 33 in Immanuel’s seven wicket win.

Baxenden were impressive winners against Barnoldswick at Back Lane as they posted 159-7 before bowling Barlick out for just 99.

Ribblesdale Wanderers took their cup form into the league as they followed up their Lancashire Cup win over Liverpool Competition outfit Bootle with a convincing win over Salesbury.

Settle were just too good for Brinscall at Marshlands as they piled up 251 before rolling the new boys for just 66.

Darryl Losper claimed four wickets and then hit 47 not out as Padiham claimed a fine win over Edenfield at The Arbories.

Losper’s efforts with the ball and three wickets for Kevin Hitchon saw Edenfield restricted to 190-9 and a good team effort with the bat ensured a win.

Losper’s 47 (not out), Callum Clarke (32) and Kurt Robinson (27) and an unbeaten 51 from Nasser Mahmood – who joined Losper at the crease – saw Padiham home.

Cherry Tree also claimed a fine win as they chased down a target of 201 in 32 overs to beat Brooksbottom at Preston Old Road.