Jamal gets Read back on track!

Big-hitter Mohammed Jamal smashed 141 off just 85 balls to blast Read to a comprehensive victory over Great Harwood on home soil.

Back-to-back defeats the previous weekend, including a Ramsbottom Cup exit, raised question marks over the Whalley Road side’s credentials. But thanks to Jamal, Kyle O’Connor’s men roared back to winning ways with a 160 run success.

His brilliant ton and 69 from Oliver Newby saw Read race to an untouchable 276-9. Jamal’s first half century took 42 balls; his second only 26 and his innings finished with 10 fours and 11 sixes.

Elsewhere, Padiham were unable to oblige with a favour for rivals Read, losing out by 87 runs to leaders Barnoldswick.

The table-toppers continue to set the early season pace and protected their unbeaten record as professional Imran Khalid top scored with 45, one of only four home batsmen to reach double figures, as Barlick were dismissed for 158 at Victory Park. Padiham paid man Chris Holt and Ishtiaq Ahmed were the star performers for the away side, scooping four and six-wickets hauls respectively.

However, Khalid (5-34) and Faisal Hussain (5-27) were quickly among the Padiham wickets to steer the leaders to a comfortable win. Callum Clarke was Padiham’s highest scorer with 17.