WHEN it comes to dramatic finishes, few can beat David Jolleys' incredible performance to give Settle maximum points against Clitheroe in the Jennings Ribblesdale League.

Chasing 153 to win, Clitheroe were on the threshold of victory at 152 for seven when enter Mr Jolleys.

Not only was it a hat-trick, it was a hat-trick of leg before wicket decisions to send Settle's supporters into raptures.

It was also brave umpiring, particularly as Stuart Hornby had just taken the sixth wicket with another lbw decision but, to Clitheroe's credit there was no argument and, by general consensus, all three were plum.

Earlier opener Ken Hornby had hit 55 in a 73 run opening partnership with Paul Taylor but the innings slipped away after that, Mr Jolleys making it a good day for him with a priceless 13 not out as the innings closed on 152 for six.

There was less joy for Settle the following day against table topping Read. With a weakened side, Settle were skittled out for just 75 and were left to rue the reputed "heart to heart" talk Read officials had with pro Wasim Raza.

If Raza had been under-performing in the eyes of some, then they could have had no complaints at his response - seven wickets for 12 runs. And just in case there was any doubt, he then hit an aggressive 34 not out as Read passed Settle's paltry total with ease.

Top scorer for Settle was schoolboy Tom Canaway, who looked composed notching up 15 runs before he too fell to the wiles of the Pakistani spinner.

Another pro doing well was Jonathan Harvey, who once again relished facing his former colleagues at Earby as he ended their slim hopes of the Ribblesdale League title.

After four good years as professional at Earby, Harvey moved to Baxenden this season and, just as he did on his return to Applegarth in May, he put his erstwhile team-mates to the sword.

After winning the toss, Baxenden batted first and Harvey was straight into action, hitting 89 runs before Steve Hipgrave finally got an lbw decision.

His first wicket partnership with David Usher, who went on to make a half century, was worth 114 as the home side reached 223 for three.

When Earby batted, things looked bleak when they were reduced to 46 for four but Chris Walton and Ian Clarkson started to turn things round.

Both were approaching their half centuries when Harvey was brought on to devastating effect, taking out their stumps and those of Nigel Hodge and Hipgrave as 137 for four became 161 for eight.

From there it was a gentle subsidence to 172 all out.

If it is any consolation to Earby, Harvey wasn't quite such a scintillating display as earlier in the season, in his first match against his old club. Then Harvey hit 147 not out and took five for 58!

On a double header weekend the two West Craven sides found themselves facing the same opponents over the two days.

And Baxenden strengthened their own title ambitions with a win over Barnoldswick at Victory Park.

Once again Harvey was to the fore, hitting 34 but it was really the innings of Mark Rishton, who hit an unbeaten 62 in a total of 155, who did the damage.

After losing Matt Nutter without a run on the board, Barnoldswick looked to be heading to victory as Ian Scothern hit 34, Raj Arshad 26 and Paul Beech 41.

At 111 for two, things looked good but it all went horribly wrong as the last eight wickets tumbled in quick succession with Harvey taking five wickets for 29 runs. Barlick were all out for 142, to give Baxenden maximum points.

The previous day things had gone better for Barnoldswick, particularly for Paul Beech, who lashed a superb 101 not out as his side knocked up a formidable 263 for four against Edenfield. Matt Nutter hit 48 and Raj Arshad 59.

In response Edenfield made a good fist of reaching the total and M Mott blasted 152 runs before being the ninth man out, run out with the score on 222.

But their final two Edenfield batsmen clung on at the end to deny Barnoldswick maximum points.

That put Barnoldswick a point ahead of Earby in the table as their West Craven rivals were beaten by Edenfield the following day.

Pro Alex Schofield hit 43 and Paul Tilbury 38 but there was not enough support and their total of 163 for nine was not enough on a good wicket.

Trevor Kegg led the fightback, taking five for 66 but Earby were always struggling and Edenfield limped home with two wickets to spare.

They were grateful to their replacement pro Ian Mitchell, who came from Eagley in the Bolton Association to take the place of broken thumb victim Martin Lewis and hit 65 after taking six wickets for 91.