SETTLE’S Senior League title prospects took a further blow at Oswaldtwistle on Saturday with yet another match abandonment allowing Clitheroe to stretch their lead to 21 points.

Second-placed Settle will face stiff competition at home in this weekend's CBS Senior League clash against Whalley who lie in the third spot and have nine wins this year, just one fewer than Settle.

Barnoldswick notched up a win against Ribblesdale Wanderers at Victory Park to continue their fine season in the Ribblesdale League.

Ryan Canning (70) was the stand out batsman for Ribblesdale, on their way to 166 from 45 overs, before being run out to the arm of Sajid Akthar.

Shashrika Pussegolla was undoubtedly the pick of the Barnoldswick bowlers with a terrific spell of 5-64 from 17 overs.

In response, Barnoldswick reached the required total with just two wickets down. Brothers and opening partners Abdul Saddique (60) and Umar Saddique (46) got Barnoldswick off to a great start and the result was never really in doubt from here on in with man of the moment Pussegolla (28) seeing Barnoldswick home.

Ian Britcliffe (2-35) was the only Wanderers' bowler to grab themselves any wickets.

There was more doom and gloom for Earby as they slumped to a loss away at Padiham. Phil Haggerty (35), Brady Barends (31), Michael Letson (22) and Callum Clarke (18) all chipped in throughout an innings where extras (37) top scored. Jake Hargreaves (6-58) was the pick of the Earby bowlers, supported by Jason Lockley who also bowled a good spell of 3-64 from 17 overs.

Earby never looked like getting close to the 175 runs needed as they succumbed to 57 all out from just 17.2 overs, making it a day to forget for their batsmen.

Duo Brady Barends (6-26) and Toby Burrows (4-31) were the only two bowlers whose services were required for Padiham.

Settle second team enhanced their prospects for a quick return to Division One after a one-sided home win against Baxenden.

Skipper Ben Mitchell put the visitors in to bat and was soon in the wickets himself, with a return of 2-31. However, it was an outstanding bowling performance by left-arm spinner Josh Mullinder (7-13) that reduced Baxenden to 47 all out inside 20 overs.

Consistent accuracy and impeccable length ensured he took by far his best figures for the club to date. Wicket-keeper David Hulse took three catches behind the stumps in support.

Hulse (29) then carried on his good work in Settle’s reply while fellow opener Rob Johnson (15) chipped in himself.

Their 51-run partnership meant the match was over by four o’clock with Settle maintaining their second place in Division Two.

The rest of the season is set to be a tussle with rivals Earby for the title with only three points separating the teams, as it stands.