Read relying on Baxenden slip-ups

The Whalley Road outfit defeated Edenfield by 15 runs on Saturday, as professional Stuart Hornby (pictured) hit 63 and then claimed 5-58.

Read then grabbed a vital seven-wicket victory at Padiham 24 hours later.

However, they remain 13 points behind Baxenden and three ahead of third-placed Barnoldswick.

Read travel to Earby on Saturday.

On Saturday, Padiham thumped Settle by 91 runs.

Padiham made 231 with 50 from Kevin Hitchon, before Settle were all out for 140 as professional Chris Holt took 5-63.

Baxenden can secure a second Houldsworth Ribblesdale League title in three years with victory in their penultimate game at Padiham on Saturday.

But the Back Lane outfit require only 12 points from their last two matches to succeed Clitheroe as champions.

Despite losing the first of their weekend double header against Whalley, Baxenden closed in on the trophy with Sunday’s 85-run win against Great Harwood.

Former Lowerhouse man Simon Payne hit an unbeaten 58 on Sunday as Baxenden reached 197-6.

The home side then dismissed Harwood for 112 to make amends for their slip-up against Whalley 24 hours earlier.

Kamran Younas was the Whalley hero against Baxenden with a magnificent 110 out of 181-9.

Only Richard Lamb (28) reached double figures with extras third highest ‘scorer’ on 15.

Mark Rishton notched 68 in Baxenden’s reply but needing 11 off the last over, the home side fell just short despite hitting six off the final ball.

Younas starred with the ball on Sunday, claiming 8-44 as Whalley defeated Cherry Tree by six wickets to stay fourth.

Unfortunately for Barnoldswick they have re-discovered their best form too late to deny Baxenden top spot.

They thrashed Earby by 165 runs yesterday after beating Salesbury by 65 runs the previous day.

Salesbury, bottom of the table Settle and Oswaldtwistle Immanuel are all still potential recipients of the wooden spoon.

Settle are away to Ribblesdale Wanderers this weekend while Ossie host Salesbury.

Burnley Belvedere are champions in the First Division, and Ribblesdale Wanderers clinched runners-up spot despite losing by 54 runs to Clitheroe on Sunday.

Earby wrapped up the Second Division title in emphatic style.

They gained back-to-back, 10 wicket weekend wins over Whalley and Oswaldtwistle Immanuel and received their trophy on Sunday.

Feniscowles or Salesbury will finish as runners-up.