PADIHAM claimed victory in a final over thriller at Whalley as the Ribblesdale League season kicked off on Saturday.

Visiting professional Brady Barends hit 49 as they posted 145-8 off their 45 overs

Whalley were always in the chase in a tight game with home professional Toby Bulcock top scoring with 36 and last man Sam Gorton making a crucial 25 as they threatened to pinch the win.

But, needing eight off the final over, the hosts fell just short and closed on 144-9 from 45 overs taking five points. Padiham collected 10 points for their victory.

Elsewhere Section A title favourites Settle began with a victory at home to Cherry Tree.

The hosts posted 200-9 with Callum Lockett hitting a superb 115 to underpin the innings.

Cherry Tree fell short in reply as they closed on 173-8 despite an unbeaten 40 from Craig Kennedy.

Settle claimed 10 points while Cherry Tree picked up two points.

Earby, who finished bottom of the Section B pile last season, got their season off to a winning start at Salesbury.

The hosts were bowled out for just 123 with professional Ryan Levy taking 3-23 for the visitors who chased down their target for the loss of seven wickets inside 27 overs.

Earby claimed 12 points from the match with Salesbury collecting three.

Matthew Walker's man of the match performance for Read helped them to victory over Brinscall.

The hosts were bowled out for 148 with Walker top scoring with 35. Sam MacLachlan took 4-65 for Brinscall but the visitors were bowled out for 130 as Walker collected 5-43 to inspire his side to the win.

Read claimed 12 points from the game with Brinscall picking up six.

Elsewhere there were wins for Ribblesdale Wanderers (12 points) and Euxton (12 points) as they defeated Barnoldswick (no points) and Feniscowles (five points) respectively while Baxenden (12 points) won away at Oswaldtwistle Immanuel (five points).