Big-hitting Rushton smashed Read to victory

9:59am Monday 23rd June 2008

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Andrew Rushton's big hitting paved the way for Read's thrilling PM & M Ramsbottom Cup victory over Baxenden.

Rushton's end of innings power plays saw Read amass 51 from the last two overs against last year's stunned runners-up.

Rushton finished unbeaten on 57 while Jonathan Harvey made 89 from a total of 242.

Dave Parkinson (51) and Ian Austin (56) kept Baxenden in the hunt.

And coming into the last over the home side required 10. A six was hit off the first ball but Baxenden endured five dot' balls to miss out by four runs.

Settle produced an upset against senior division high flyers Barnoldswick, going through to the last four thanks to a 14 run victory.

Professional Clinton Peake restricted Settle to 196-9 with 6-38 from 10 overs. Bret Silvey was the mainstay of Settle's innings with 79.

Matt Nutter made 67 but Barlick' were dismissed for 182.

Another close finish at the Arbories saw Padiham defeat Whalley by 11 runs. Abdul Saddique notched 50 and Anthony Hall 69 as Padiham made 215.

Richard Palmer contributed 58 in Whalley's reply but the visitors fell just short.

Ribblesdale Wanderers produced the biggest margin of victory against Clitheroe thanks to paid man Joe Scuderi.

Scuderi smashed an unbeaten 135 while Gary Hall gave him good support with 75 as Wanderers reached 289-4.

Paul Turner again provided the backbone of the Clitheroe reply with 73 and Matt Coulter scored 51.

However, the 2006 champions fell 54 runs short.