SETTLE have inched ahead of Clitheroe, who still have a game in hand, as the battle for the Ribblesdale League Senior League title intensifies.

The Dalesmen had two good wins, starting with a home victory against Cherry Tree. South African pro Ferisco Adams made a fine 123 runs out of the visitors' score of 212-6.

Settle’s pro Imran Khaild (5-60) brought up his 50 wickets for the season. But it was home-grown talent to the fore as Robbie Davidson put Cherry Tree to the sword, smashing seven sixes in a 90-ball innings of 109 for Settle.

His second Senior League ton came in a century partnership with Khalid (55). Tom Strickland weighed in with 28 as Settle coasted home in the 34th over with only three wickets down.

The re-arranged derby at Earby saw the hosts dismissed for 137 as Tom Davidson took 4-47 and Khalid 3-24, after Matthew Haines (44) and Matthew Garner (17) had made a good start.

Earby then lost four quick wickets before Michael Down (26) showed resistance and Jake Hargreaves hit 18 at the end of the innings.

Settle made quick work of the reply as Khalid smacked 44 in 26 balls, and Strickland (21), Tom Davidson (27no) and John Davidson (15) pushed for the finish at 140-5 in 21 overs

It proved to be a doubly disappointing weekend for Earby because they had also suffered a 113-run defeat against Whalley on Saturday. Richard Lamb (57) and Matthew Howarth (54no) helped Whalley to 231-8. Earby struggled in reply and were dismissed for 118 as only pro Dave Crotty (35) made an impression.

Barnoldswick were involved in a thrilling match with champions Clitheroe at Victory Park. Janaka Gunaratne fell one run short of a ton and Naeem Ashraf made 66 as the visitors reached 265-9 off 45 overs.

Barnoldswick made a spirited reply but finished 12 runs short on 253-8 despite a superb 104 from Abdul Saddique and 56 from Luke Hodgson.

Settle seconds are still above the drop zone despite a setback at Stacksteads. Kieren Ashley played a battling captain’s innings of 35, but Josh Mullinder (20) and Will Metcalfe (11) were the only others in double figures in a total of 85 all out. However, the visitors fought back hard with John Tarbox claiming 4-13. He is now top of Division One averages, but the match was over at 86-6.