Barnoldswick strengthened their grip on second place with a four-wicket win over Read With Read talisman Jon Harvey away on holiday, the Victory Park took full advantage.

Batting first, Read made steady progress on a good wicket.

Elliot Artingstall (63) and Kieran Grimshaw (40) were the major contributors to the visitors’ score of 210-6 in their 45 overs.

Shoaib Khan (3-52) and professional Imran Khalid (2-71) proved to be the best of the Barnoldswick bowlers.

In reply, Barnoldswick lost the wicket of Matt Nutter fairly early on but were then bolstered by a century stand between Khalid (69) and Abdul Saddique (37).

Barmoldswick seemed to be cruising to an easy win until both batsmen were out in quick succession. Sadd= ique was unluckily run out as a straight drive hit the bowler’s hand and deflected onto the stumps .

Remarkably, opener Joe Marshall had also suffered the same fate in Read’s innings.

The ever-enthusiastic Read fielders were now sensing the possibility of an upset.

The incoming Barnolds wick batsmen’s minds were now shrouded in doubt as they prodded, poked and edged their way towards their target.

Umar Saddique fell for 28, swiftly followed by Liam Bedford and Paul Beech.

Bedford was out lbw, a decision that surprised Barnoldswick’s followers and left their side under increasing pressure.

Throughout this carnage, captain Luke Hodgson (40 no) stood firm and, with two elegant, trademark cover drives in the 42nd over, steered Barnoldswick to victory on 211-6.