SETTLE continue to dominate the Ribblesdale Senior League, recording a sixth successive win, to put them 16 points clear of Oswaldtwistle in Section A.

Saturday’s league match saw visitors Padiham score 110-8. Matthew Simpson starred with the ball, picking up 5-48, and he was supported by 2-23 from Tom Davidson.

Tom Strickland held firm to reach 42 not out, and he and Robbie Davidson (13no) saw Settle home with eleven balls to spare.

Read were the only side to beat Settle last season but they met their match at Marshfield on Sunday in the Ramsbottom Cup.

The visitors reached 161-8 from their 40 overs. Baz Ward (3-36) took top-order wickets while Tom Davidson came on at the end for 3-30.

Settle reached their target in 33 overs for the loss of four wickets. Shakeel Richards was unbeaten on 66 at the end, but it was Robbie Davidson’s barnstorming 77 which clinched the tie.

Settle seconds had a field day at Read in the Lawrenson Cup. Kyle Handy and Eddie Keighley responded to being put in to bat by racking up a century opening partnership.

Handy (53) hit eleven fours in his first senior half-century, while Keighley made 68 at a run a ball, his highest score in his first season with the club.

The runs continued to flow as Benjamin Hulse struck 34 in just 19 balls. Simon Tarbox made his second half-century of the season too, marching off unbeaten on 68.

Settle’s total of 280-4 was a formidable one and Read were soon in trouble. Tarbox took 3-13 from seven overs and Tom Harris claimed 3-33 as the hosts collapsed to 125 all out.

Both of Settle’s teams can look forward with confidence to their semi-finals on July 15, the firsts travelling to Salesbury while the seconds entertain Barnoldswick.