SETTLE visit table-topping Oswaldtwistle Immanuel on Saturday knowing that defeat could end their hopes of retaining the Ribblesdale League Senior Division title.

The champions currently trail Ossies by eight points and know they have to find an answer to their inconsistent batting performances if they are to finish in top spot.

Having had their hopes of lifting the Ramsbottom Cup scuppered by a surprise final defeat by Padiham, Settle don't want to see another chance of silverware slip from their grasp as they approach a double weekend which also sees them play Feniscowles at home on Sunday.

Their problems were highlighted in last Saturday's nine-wicket home defeat by Baxenden.

Just two weeks after being bowled out for 46 by Salesbury, they were dismissed for 67 after electing to bat first.

The only good news for them on another disappointing afternoon was the fact that leaders Oswaldtwistle Immanuel were also beaten.

They went down by three wickets to Whalley but managed to extend their lead over Settle to eight points by virtue of the three bonus points they secured on a day when the Marshfield men drew a blank.

Sadrian Ward and Adam Strickland were the top scorers for Settle with 13 each as their side crumbled after choosing to bat first.

The home side had no answer to the bowling of Gary Sudworth. He took an impressive 6-7 in an immaculate 10-over spell.

He was backed up by Matthew Griffin (3-31) as Baxenden exploited Settle's frailties.

Baxenden had little trouble in knocking off the runs as Settle were left to reflect on another poor performance.

Barnoldswick were unfortunate to suffer a one-wicket defeat against Read.

Barnoldswick fought hard to defend their total of 193, but Andrew Rushton (36no) got his side over the line.

Chaian De Silva (4-50) and Jonathan Beach (4-70) bowled well for Barnoldswick, but couldn't get the last wicket.

The Barnoldswick total owed much to a 40-ball 73 from Mohammed Khalid. His knock included eight sixes and five fours.

There was no joy for Earby too as they went down to an eight-wicket defeat against Salesbury.

Richard Craddock (43no) and Ryan Canning (37) top scored for Earby as they made 148. Liam Parkinson (51), Sachin Rawson (36no) and Hashen Ramanayake (35no) saw Salesbury to their target.