Blackburn Northern finished off a memorable season in style, confirming their Veka Ribblesdale League senior division title with a 53-run victory over Earby.

Indeed, Northern were the only side in the top three to win their final game of the campaign as defending champions Clitheroe showed what might have been.

Indeed, after the predictions of a tight finish to the title race, Northern coasted home by 28 points.

Ali Azmat's 5-58 helped dismiss the champions for 161 but the home side could only manage 108 in reply.

Runners-up Baxenden slumped to a third successive defeat but felt aggrieved by their three wicket loss to Edenfield.

The Back Lane side, rumoured to be signing former Lancashire star Ian Austin on amateur terms next season, were bowled out for 102.

Baber Naeem's unbeaten 71 saw the visitors home with three wickets to spare. However, Baxenden believed the Edenfield paid man had been caught behind at the start of his innings.

On a day of outstanding individual efforts Clitheroe captain Neil Bolton took the plaudits for a superb all-round display against Padiham.

Bolton claimed 6-54 as third placed Padiham were bowled out for 213. In Clitheroe's reply he struck an unbeaten 106 as the 2006 Treble winners won by six wickets to claim sixth position.

Zahoor Elahi smashed the day's highest score, making 137 not out from Cherry Tree's mammoth 310-2 against bottom of the table Barnoldswick. Ahmer Mirza gave him good support with 86.

The first division title is the only trophy as yet unclaimed. Brinscall's eight wicket stroll against Clitheroe took them to the top.

However, last season's second division champions, who have now finished their programme, can be overtaken by holders Salesbury.

But Salesbury must complete a 12 points victory over Clitheroe next Sunday from their game in hand to retain their title by a single point.

Veteran Peter Pickup returned the day's best bowling figures with 9-17 as Barnoldswick beat Stacksteads by 18 runs in division two.

Results, Senior division: Baxenden 102 Edenfield 106-7 (Baber Naeem 71*), Edenfield won by three wickets; Cherry Tree 310-2 (Ahmer Mirza 86, Zahoor Elahi 137*) Barnoldswick 211-9, Cherry Tree won by 99 runs; Clitheroe 214-4 (Neil Bolton 106*) Padiham 213 (Neil Bolton 6-54), Clitheroe won by six wickets; Earby 108 Blackburn Northern 161 (Ali Azmat 5-58), Blackburn Northern won by 53 runs; Great Harwood 152-9 (John Swanney 56, Bradmon Edinweera 5-41) Whalley 149, Great Harwood won by three runs; Read 175-5 Ribblesdale Wanderers 172 (Warren Eastham 6-40), Read won by five wickets; Settle 249-6 (Jeeva Kulatunga 94, Tim Green 50) Oswaldtwistle Immanuel 84, Settle won by 165 runs