SETTLE gained a measure of revenge for their Ramsbottom Cup final defeat by Oswaldtwistle Immanuel to kick-start their bid for the Houldsworth Ribblesdale League title.

Two weeks after a disappointing 88-run defeat at Church Meadow, Settle turned the tables on 'Ossie' at Marshfield courtesy of a 28-run victory.

Asif Fazal and Robbie Davidson shared an opening partnership of 81 with Fazal hitting 64 from 81 balls. But Settle couldn't build on their excellent start and finished on 154-9, restricted by Niall Heyes 5-39. Cup final man of the match, Andreas Sudnik, failed to take a wicket on this occasion.

The conditions suited Settle’s all-spin attack and the visitors were soon in trouble at 5-2. Pro Imran Khalid (4-30), Saud Ahmed (3-39) and Asif Fazal (3-34) bowled out Ossies for 126 with just two balls of the match remaining.

That gave Settle maximum points which will be invaluable ahead of this Saturday’s potential title showdown on league leaders Clitheroe’s patch

Settle's victory was almost even more valuable as leaders Clitheroe struggled for the win against Cherry Tree. No doubt with thoughts on the following day's Lancashire Cup semi-final against Bootle at Chatburn Road, Clitheroe did well to set their visitors 175 to win.

With three overs left 'Tree' still required 30. They reduced their target to 13 off the final six balls but fell four runs short of a tie.

Big-hitting Barnoldswick were in the runs for a second-successive weekend, a high-scoring game against Salesbury producing the only Senior League century of the day.

Abdul Saddique (119) and Kyle Marshall (93) were largely responsible for Barlick's 274-5. James Watson and Joe Rawlinson hit half centuries in Salesbury's reply but in a contest of 530 runs, the visitors fell 18 short of victory.

Read's four-wicket win of Earby only hastened the Applegarth team's likely demotion to Section B. The home side made a disappointing 146 which their opponents chased down.

Settle seconds have specialised in narrow defeats this season, but this has given them the most bonus points in Division One and every chance of survival.

They dismissed Burnley Belvedere for 128 with John Tarbox taking 4-37, Kieren Ashley (3-33) and an outstanding 3-12 from under-15 Adam Strickland, with James Holgate holding three catches.

The reply saw Tarbox senior posting 37 runs and son Simon adding 22 in the middle order. Ben Hulse hit 32 in quick time but Settle finished just ten runs short with seven wickets down.