Read edge thrilling game

But it was another testing afternoon for Padiham, as they again went down to defeat, this time losing by 102 runs against Baxenden.

Read had first knock against Edenfield, but lost both openers, skipper Kyle O’Connor and Joe Marshall, by the time the score had reached 18.

However, Mohammed Zafran and Keiren Grimshaw put on 23, before the former was out for 20.

That led to a century partnership between Grimshaw and professional Brandon Scullard, eventually worth 111, before Scullard, for 63, became the first of Joe McCluskie’s three victims.

Grimshaw and Conor Lowes (20) added 44 before Grimshaw fell to McCluskie for 81. Elliot Lowes was 18 not out as Read closed on 234-6.

In reply, Edenfield were 24-2, before Paul Gallagher and McCluskie put on 104 for the third wicket.

Omar Hussain saw off McCluskie for 49, and Gallagher was finally out for 92 at 178 to Elliot Lowes.

Captain Jim Flitcroft hit 38 not out off 39 balls, but Read just held on to win.

Padiham, meanwhile, remain second bottom after defeat to Baxenden.

Baxenden ran up a huge total of 295-9 in their 45 overs, and despite 64 from Nasser Mehmood in reply, Callum Clarke’s side were dismissed for 193.