CLITHEROE skipper Paul Gaskell says his side’s resounding win over nearest challengers Read has put down a marker in the race for glory.

But he insists that anything is possible with more than half of the Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League season still to play – and is determined to see his men keep up their high standards.

Gaskell’s men won with few scares at Whalley Road and have opened up a 13-point gap over Kyle O’Connor’s outfit.

But he knows that a couple of bad results can change the balance of power.

Clitheroe face a double header weekend with Baxenden at Chatburn Road on Saturday before the trip to Euxton on Sunday.

And Gaskell said: “Read was a great result and puts down a real marker.

“But if we get it wrong this weekend it means that Saturday counts for nothing.

“There is a lot of cricket to play between now and the end of the season – but we are happy with how things have gone so far.”

Gaskell was impressed with pace bowlers Jack Dewhurst and veteran Josh Marquet at the weekend and added: “Jack bowled really well and got five wickets.

“And at the other end Josh just keeps on going. He is brilliant for us and is as fit now as he has been for a few years.”

Meanwhile, Clitheroe are expecting a bumper weekend with the club’s annual beer festival taking place.

It swings into action on Friday when Great Harwood visit in the T20.