THE first double-header of the Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League season turned into a single header after rain wrecked Saturday's programme.

After a bright morning the weather closed in right on cue with the forecast shortly after noon and there was little realistic hope for any of the eight matches.

The one exception was at Marshfield as Settle and Euxton dodged the showers and managed to get a first innings in with the Dalesmen posting 189-4 with professional Imran Khalid making 82 not out – but any hopes of a win from that healthy position were dashed as the heavy rain returned the the skippers were forced to shake hands. All those games will be replayed later in the summer.

Yesterday’s keenly anticipated West Craven derby between Barnoldswick and Earby was washed out, while Brinscall had a day to remember as they crushed Euxton in double quick time.

Lee Burgess claimed the remarkable figures of 5-9 from 16.4 overs as Euxton were shot out for just 42 with only Mark Winrow making double figures.

In reply Briscall eased home with few problems as they reached 44-3.

Great Harwood were another side quick to the bar as they hammered Baxenden at The Cliffe.

Batting first in an innings distrupted by showers Baxenden collapsed from 32-0 to 55 all out as Harwood turned in yet another high class bowling display.

Stuart Maher further enhanced his position as the league’s leading amateur bowler with 4-27 but he was outshone by Harwood pro Jack Wildermuth.

He claimed 6-27 with five of those coming in his final four overs without conceding a run. Harwood then strolled to 55-3 with Paul Houldsworth finishing on 24 not out.

Whalley lost their 100 per cent record as they were well beaten by Oswaldtwistle Immanuel at Station Road. In a game reduced to 37 overs, Immanuel posted 185-7 with Simon Gorton claiming four wickets and Phil Howard hitting 67.

That proved to be a good score as Whalley slumped to 10-4. They recovered slightly but were still bowled out for 94 as Immanuel impressed with all Andreas Sudnik and Gerard Metcalf both claiming three wickets with Harry Allanby and Andrew Metcalf picking up two each.

The big Padiham v Read derby went ahead after a major mopping up exercise and the rivals didn't disappoint in a 33-over game.

Joey Marshall's flow of runs continued as he followed up last week's century with 78 and skipper Kyle O'Connor hit 45 as Read closed on 214-8 with Kevin Hitchon claiming seven wickets.

Padiham, however, couldn't live up to that and were 93 all out in reply as Read took the bragging rights on the short journey back to Whalley Road after their 113-run delight.

Read now head off to Prestwich today in the Lancashire Cup with a determination to celebrate a double.

Bragging rights also belonged to Clitheroe as they thumped their cross town rivals Ribblesdale Wanderers at Chatburn Road.

In a game punctuated by rain breaks, Wanderers managed to post 88-8 before Clitheroe got home by seven wickets despite being 16-3 at one stage.

Edenfield beat Brooksbottom to leave the league's bottom side still awaiting a first win. They posted 151 in 23 overs but Paul Gallagher's half-century eased them home.

And Cherry Tree performed well between the showers to beat Salesbury by 20 runs in an entertaining game at Ribchester Road.

Salesbury are in action on Thursday in the Davdstow Village Cup. League and cup fixtures looked to lead to either the Red Caps or opponents Culgaith scratching from the competition. But the Penrith side have agreed to travel the 180-mile round trip on Thursday for a T20 clash.