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Great Harwood professional Shantanu Sugwekar turned to spin in a bid to get among the wickets and the move paid instant dividends against Jennings Ribblesdale League champions Padiham.

Sugwekar had played only a bit-part in the Harwood attack prior to Saturday's clash at Cliffe Park, with only a handful of victims to his name.

But his switch from medium-pace to off-breaks proved to be an inspired move as he claimed 6-16 from just eight overs to send Padiham spinning to a 61-run defeat.

``It was a bit of a surprise for me as well,'' admitted Sugwekar, who was the sixth bowler Harwood used.

``I haven't bowled very much so far, just five or six overs here and there.

``But I bowled eight overs on Saturday and got six wickets.

``I bowl medium pace back at home but since we've got many medium pacers in the team, I thought it might be a good idea having some variation in the bowling, so I tried to spin the ball.''

The Indian 'all-rounder' may now have increased his workload, particularly if the wickets continue to dry out.

Chasing Harwood's total of 185-8, in which Sugwekar top-scored with 74 and shared an opening stand of 118 with Richard Lamb, Padiham were going along well at 95-2 before the professional got to work.

He took the next three wickets to fall, including the vital one of Mark Harvey for 53, as the visitors slumped to 116-5. And Sugwekar then guaranteed maximum points for his side by mopping up the last three wickets inside two overs.

The win lifted Harwood to within eight points of third-placed Padiham and 14 points behind leaders Cherry Tree.

And Sugwekar, enjoying his first season in the league, believes his side can still mount a title challenge if they take advantage of games against Baxenden, Settle, Blackburn Northern, Edenfield and Barnoldswick in the next few weeks.

``If we can win our next three or four games, that should see us near the top,'' he said.

``It's quite possible as there are still 14 games to go.

``I think we should go for top place. With such a young side the only thing we lack is a bit of experience in tight situations, but that will only come with playing more and more games. We should still go for the big one.''