SKIPTON and Settle Cricket clubs have joined forces to create a new up beat cricket competition. Thursday evening sees the inaugural match between the two Craven rivals for the new Craven 20/20 Cup at Sandylands, start 6.15. Both clubs see the potential to attract new customers, younger spectators and an opportunity to develop their own younger players.

The clubs have agreed to play to the Ribblesdale League 20/20 rules which sees fielding circles and a maximum of 4 overs per bowler, however they have been tremendously innovative and will play a two legged "soccer style" affair. Meaning that even though a team has lost the first game they will still be in with a big shout of lifting the new trophy in the 2nd leg.

Settle chair and stalwart Andrew Davidson says his Settle outfit are excited about the the Craven Derby clash. He told the herald that the Skipton Settle fixture in the 1950s when both played in the Ribblesdale League was an eagerly awaited clash.

" I recall some of the old ones years ago telling me how the ground was packed for the Skipton game, so this is a real opportunity to resurrect the old rivalry.

"Skipton have been so pro active and when we first discussed the idea they were full of enthusiasm, so we decided to give it a go and hope that a couple more Craven teams will join us next year.

"The 20/20 games are a huge event on a Friday evening on The Marshfield. The juniors love watching, the locals come down in droves and the players really enjoy a game on a Friday night. We actually take our 20/20 games very seriously as we are totally focused on winning the league trophy."

The Dalesmen have an impressive record this year and if they win the Ribblesdale League competition, will host the Northern section of the ECB national competition, which will include a Sky TV appearance. The eagerly awaited clash starts at Sandylands on Thursday evening with the return leg at The Marshfield the following Frida.y