GREAT Harwood professional Shantanu Sugwekar turned to spin in a bid to get among the wickets and the move paid instant dividends against Jennings Ribblesdale League champions Padiham.

Sugwekar had played only a bit-part in the Harwood attack prior to Saturday's clash at Cliffe Park, with only a handful of victims to his name.

But his switch from medium-pace to off-breaks proved to be an inspired move as he claimed 6-16 from just eight overs to send Padiham spinning to a 61-run defeat.

"It was a bit of a surprise for me as well," admitted Sugwekar, who was the sixth bowler Harwood used.

"I haven't bowled very much so far, just five or six overs here and there.

"But I bowled eight overs on Saturday and got six wickets.

"I bowl medium pace back at home but since we've got many medium pacers in the team, I thought it might be a good idea having some variation in the bowling, so I tried to spin the ball."

The Indian 'all-rounder' may now have increased his workload, particularly if the wickets continue to dry out.

Chasing Harwood's total of 185-8, in which Sugwekar top-scored with 74 and shared an opening stand of 118 with Richard Lamb, Padiham were going along well at 95-2 before the professional got to work.

He took the next three wickets to fall, including the vital one of Mark Harvey for 53, as the visitors slumped to 116-5. And Sugwekar then guaranteed maximum points for his side by mopping up the last three wickets inside two overs.

The win lifted Harwood to within eight points of third-placed Padiham and 14 points behind leaders Cherry Tree.

And Sugwekar, enjoying his first season in the league, believes his side can still mount a title challenge if they take advantage of games against Baxenden, Settle, Blackburn Northern, Edenfield and Barnoldswick in the next few weeks.

"If we can win our next three or four games, that should see us near the top," he said.

"It's quite possible as there are still 14 games to go.

"I think we should go for top place. With such a young side the only thing we lack is a bit of experience in tight situations, but that will only come with playing more and more games. We should still go for the big one."

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