SETTLE got off to a happy start in their 2017 campaign, beating Cherry Tree at home by 27 runs in a match that once seemed beyond recovery.

The star of the show was 21-year-old Callum Lockett from Upper Wharfedale who scored an outstanding century on his Marshfield debut.

He smashed eight sixes and six fours in a knock of 115 in only 80 balls, hitting the only ton in the Ribblesdale League last Saturday.

John Davidson (17) had made a steady opening to the innings, with brother Robbie putting on 12 at a brisker pace. Last man Daniel Strickland also scored 12, but seven batsmen failed to get out of single figures. Thanks to Lockett’s stunning performance, Settle batted out their overs to close on a challenging total of 200-9.

Cherry Tree’s reply was dealt an early blow by Simon Tarbox (2-37), while his father John (1-34) and skipper Tom Davidson (2-36) weighed in with wickets up the order. Spinner John Davidson (2-41) broke resistance offered by the visitors’ middle order and Lockett added to his contribution with a catch and a wicket.

As Cherry Tree finished on 173-8, Settle were denied two bonus points, but they can look back with a certain amount of relief at the result, with the prospect of their two new overseas signings boosting their line-up for Saturday’s derby match at Earby.

Settle’s second team also take on Earby in their first match in Division One, entertaining the local rivals at Marshfield.