He hit 10 boundaries in a 105-ball score of 73, in a magnificent stand of 138 with Peter Dibb.

But despite that, it was this year's surprise packages Barnoldswick that went away with a two-wicket win.

Having won only three league games over the course of the previous two seasons, Barnoldswick have started this season well.

And it was their own skipper, all-rounder Michael Scothern, who came up with an inspired knock to see his side home.

Having posted 179-4, Clitheroe had their visitors on the rack at 147-8.

But an unbeaten stand of 33 between Scothern and Sajid Akhtar saw Barnoldswick to their second win of the season, and top spot in the Ribblesdale League at this early stage.

Having being inserted into bat, Clitheroe began cautiously, losing two quick wickets with just 13 on the board.

Professional Paul Turner was trapped lbw by Zahid Iqbal for just six, while fellow opener Nick James found the safe hands of Clinton Peake off Akhtar for four.

But that only succeeded in bringing Dibb and Bolton to the middle, who survived two early maidens before setting about their assault.

The pair held down their partnership for 35 overs, taking the score to 151 before Bolton finally fell to Michael Scothern, caught by brother David.

And incredibly, Dibb fell in identical fashion, caught once again by David Scothern off Michael, having hit four fours and a six in his knock of 57.

Jack Dewhurst and Danny Glover trued their best to add vital runs in the closing stages, but only managed a further 19 between them before the innings came to a close.

And Clitheroe got off to the perfect start in the reply, with professional Peake caught by Dibb off Mark Hargreaves for a duck.

Luke Hodgson (31) and David Scothern (25) added 60 for the second wicket to bring Barnoldswick back into it, but a steady stream of wickets seemed to put Clitheroe in the box seat.

However, skipper Michael Scothern and Akhtar had other ideas, as they turned the game on its head in the dying stages to secure victory with two overs remaining.

As for Sunday, Clitheroe's match at reigning champions Blackburn Northern was abandoned without a ball bowled.

And they will hope to record their first victory of the season on Saturday when they host Baxenden (wickets pitched 1-30 p.m.).