Record breaker Holt!

Holt, who broke Philip Hanson’s club record of 53 amateur wickets in a single season, saw his Whalley Road battlers seal two victories over double-header, though their efforts were matched by league leaders Clitheroe.

The captain took 3-48 against in-form Barnoldswick on Saturday before sealing the feat with four wickets (4-36) in Sunday’s eight wicket win against Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.

He topped that achievement with an unbeaten knock of 74 to guide his side to victory.

He said: “It was a great weekend personally and for the club.

“Everyone was celebrating when I took it which was great and just epitomises the unity we have here at Read.

“There’s a great team spirit and we’ve all set ourselves targets.

“Everyone will be wanting to hit those targets in the two games remaining and everyone will be equally as happy for those people who do hit their targets.”

He added: “We’ve been playing well.

“The game against Barnoldswick was one of the closest games I’ve ever played in.

“But Jon Harvey was class and a joy to watch.

“Obviously we were hoping Clitheroe were going to get beat in one of their games but that didn’t happen so it’s as we were.

“We had someone ringing through on Sunday to let us know what was going on at Clitheroe so it was slightly disappointing.

“We’ve done well and we’ve just got to take this to the last game of the season and hope Clitheroe do slip up.”

Meanwhile, Read seconds clinched the Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale Cricket League Division One title with victory over Oswaldtwistle Immanuel on Sunday.

Holt added: “The club is doing great as a whole.

“The first team is second in the league and in a cup final and the seconds have won their league.

“The atmosphere around the club is brilliant and there’s a bright future ahead.”