STUART Maher's dismissal off the final ball ensured a thrilling fourth tie for Earby – the fourth of the Houldsworth Ribblesdale League's Senior League campaign.

Maher's run out chasing a second, match-winning run, completed a late fight back for the home side against Great Harwood at Applegarth.

On a day when all the games were shortened by rain, Earby batted first and reached 164-8 thanks to Chris Walton's superb 91. Harwood's reply got off to the perfect start, reaching 63 in just seven overs before the first wicket fell.

Jack Edgar made 43 as the visitors pushed on to 140-4. Even with Patrick Swanney and Allan Armer dismissed in quick succession, Harwood only required 14 from 14 overs with four wickets left.

Swanney returned to act as runner but wasn't detained for too long as hamstring victim Liam Noon went lbw at 153. With Lee Parkinson in fine form with the ball wickets continued to tumble.

The odds still favoured Harwood but Earby got their rewards for tenacity as Maher's final top edge wasn't enough for victory. Parkinson returned figures of 6-32.

However, with Oswaldtwistle Immanuel beating Ribblesdale Wanderers by four wickets at New Lane, their place in Section A remains in jeopardy..

Settle maintained their title challenge with a comfortable 87-run win at Edenfield in a match reduced to 27 overs per side.

They got off to a fine start as Robbie Davidson hit 47 at a run a ball and the tempo was increased as pro Imran Khalid made a quick-fire 63.

Tom Strickland (22) and Will Davidson (29) continued the good work as Settle finished on an impressive 203-7.

Edenfield were soon in trouble when they replied. The tough asking rate plus some fine bowling from Hassan Fazal (6-54) and Khalid (4-42) saw the home side dismissed for 107.

Settle seconds are now steadily climbing Division One after pulling off a fourth win in a row in their home match against Padiham.

John Tarbox (4-18) was again in excellent form with his swing bowling, and skipper Kieren Ashley spun his way to 3-28 as the visitors made 112 all out.

Settle knocked off the runs in 18 overs to win by seven wickets, thanks to breezy knocks from openers Shaun Airey (33) and Peter Cook (25) and brisk contributions from Jack Harrison (21) and Josh Mullinder (19no),