SHAHID Nawaz was again the difference between victory and defeat for Read in their Vaux Ribblesdale League home game with Oswaldtwistle.

His knock of 68 helped the league leaders to set a total of 149, which proved too much for the visitors, who fell short on 110 all out.

Second-placed Barnoldswick suffered their second defeat of the season at Baxenden, despite 117 by Scothern. Chasing 286-3, they could only manage 215-6. Their West Craven neighbours, Earby, are close behind in third after a 33-run win against Padiham. The Applegarth team made 164-8 and restricted the visitors to 131.

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