BARNOLDSWICK’S Ribblesdale League return to Victory Park ended in crushing pain as they were hammered by Clitheroe.

The home side, who have been nomads this season after work to improve their outfield overran, had an horrendous day as Josh Marquet ripped through them to ensure an early finish ahead of England’s World Cup opener.

Peter Dibb’s men could celebrate despite the footballer’s lame draw with the USA as their quickfire win took them second.

Aussie Marquet claimed 7-22 in 13 overs as Barlick crashed from 46-2 to 70 all out in just 26 overs.

Clitheroe pro Tom Hardman had removed Richard Nichols and Matt Nutter when Marquet got in on the act.

He dismissed both Danny Kegg and Khurram Nazir in successive balls and found himself on a hat-trick again after knocking over Liam Bedford and Jamie Oldfield.

Paul Beech offered some resistance as he made 25 not out from 60 balls – and he and Nutter were the only men to make double figures.

Marquet was unplayable as he claimed his seven-for, while Jack Dewhurst also claimed a wicket in the romp.

Josh McDowell went for a duck with the score on five and Dewhurst also failed with the bat as Clitheroe replied. But Hardman hit five fours in his 30 before becoming Sajid Akhtar’s second victim.

Skipper Dibb joined Naeem Ashraf at the crease and steered his men over the line and to a huge win.

Barnoldswick

M Nutter ct Butt b Hardman 16
R Nichols b Hardman 6
P Beech not out 25
D Kegg ct Hardman b Marquet 0
K Nazir ct Preston b Marquet 0
L Bedford ct Preston b Marquet 1
J Oldfield ct Preston b Marquet 0
J Nazir ct Preston b Dewhurst 5
A Khan ct Hardman b Marquet 0
S Akhtar ct Preston b Marquet 0
Extras 15
Total (for ten) 70
T Hardman 7 3 15 2, J Marquet 13 4 22 7, J Dewhurst 6 0 21 1.

Clitheroe

J Dewhurst ct Nichols b Akhtar 7
J McDowell ct Nutter b Nazir 0
T Hardman b Akhtar 30
N Ashraff not out 16
P Dibb not out 6
Extras 15
Total (3 wickets) 71
J Nazir 10 2 37 1, S Akhtar 6 2 11 2, R Nichols 5 0 19 0.

Clitheroe won by 7 wickets.