RUSSELL Whalley led Oswaldtwistle to an impressive nine wicket win over Settle with an amazing 42-ball century.

The Immanuel professional's 111 not out off just 49 balls and included 12 fours and eight sixes in one of the most stunning centuries seen in the Jennings Ribblesdale League.

It took Oswaldtwistle just over 15 overs to pass the Dalesmen's total of 133 with professional Surrendra Bhave top-scoring 61.

Ribblesdale Wanderers gave Barnoldswick a hiding with Richard Palmer 55 not out in their total of 154-5. The Victory Park club were shot out for 93 as Wanderers won by 61 runs to collect maximum points and leap to the top of the table.

Cherry Tree are just one point behind after their six wicket win over former leaders Padiham. Pankaj Tripathi scored 57 for Padiham but a rapid-fire partnership between Paul Reed and Lee Kennedy steered the Blackburn side home with overs to spare. Clitheroe held out for victory after scoring 168-7 with Andy Burns leading the way on 85. Great Harwood just missed out in the run chase falling six runs short despite a battling 51 from professional Shantanu Sugwekar.

Baxenden captured an unexpected nine wicket win over Whalley who were dismissed for just 55 with Ronnie Davies picking up 5-19 and Stephen Bulcock 5-35.

Earby had the edge over Blackburn Northern with professional Jonathan Harvey producing his best bowling performance for the Applegarth club when he took 8-64. Mark Lomas top scored with 73 for Northern. Matthew Plant (71) and Nigel Hodge (59) helped Earby secure a four wicket win. Read went down to Edenfield who rattled up a total of 218-7 with John Kershaw 84 and Phil Holt 71. Peter Sleep took 5-81 and then added 54 for Read while Edenfield professional Mike Smethurst took 6-53.

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