Settle first team’s batting performance went from the ridiculous to the sublime over the double-header weekend. In contrast, Earby's travelled in the opposite direction.

The Whalley team posted an unremarkable 141-9 on Saturday at Marshfield with skipper Eddy Read hitting fine form with a return of 4-24 at two runs an over.

Pro Imran Khalid took 3-32 and under-15 Simon Tarbox claimed a sharp run-out. In the reply, Settle were completely rolled over by Indian Premier League star Wilkin Mota who took 7-34 in the space of nine overs.

The home side were eight wickets down with just 30 on the board and were only saved from complete disintegration by a battling 38 from 23 deliveries by new signing Umaid Sajjad with unbeaten Daniel Strickland gamely holding up the other end. The finish came in 19 overs with the total on 76 and ten men in single figures.

There was a stunning comeback at Read the next day as Settle blitzed the bowling to all parts.

Tom Davidson made the first foray with seven boundaries in his 37, but it was a sensational fifth-wicket partnership of 156 between Khalid and Eddy Read which knocked the stuffing out of the hosts.

Khalid smashed twelve fours and eight sixes to reach 123, his first ton for the club. His captain hit two sixes in his half-century, with stalwart David Worthington striking three quick boundaries before Settle reached an imposing 248 all out.

It took the visitors just 33 overs to see off the Read line-up by a margin of 116 runs, with three wickets each for Khalid, Read and John Tarbox, and three catches for keeper Dave Worthington.

Settle Seconds are now hitting their stride with a convincing win at Feniscowles. John Tarbox (40) and Josh Mullinder (30) got them off to an excellent start with sound mid-order contributions from William Booth (12) and Benjamin Hulse (15).

Skipper Kieren Ashley (13) and Joe Handy (11no) took the side to 163 all out. The hosts only lasted 22 overs in the face of Tarbox (3-20), Ben Mitchell (2-11) and another fine show from the spin of Jason Paul (4-18), giving Settle a 100-run victory.