SETTLE dealt two hefty blows to Oswaldtwistle over the weekend, handing out a 106-run hammering at Marshfield in the Senior League, followed by a crushing eight-wicket win at New Lane in the Ramsbottom Cup.

They were greatly aided by two sub pros who have proved invaluable to Settle in the past.

Saturday’s match saw the opening pair Will Davidson (15) and Jack Harrison (18) make a sound start, paving the way for Fawad Alam to strike six boundaries in his innings of 67.

He shared a half-century partnership with skipper Tom Davidson (30) after which Sadrian Ward (16) helped steer the hosts to 175-7.

The young West Indian seamer then picked up his third five-wicket haul of the season, taking 5-24 from nine overs.

Oliver Whyte was hard on his heels with figures of 4-24, by which time Oswaldtwistle were hustled out for 69 with only 23 overs bowled.

The Lancastrians performed better with the bat on their home patch on Sunday, but were still dismissed for 124 at just over three runs an over, never a challenging run rate in a cup tie.

Callum Lockett took a miserly 3-12, with last year’s pro Imran Khalid cleaning up the tail with figures of 3-19. Tom Davidson contributed 2-26, with brother Robbie making two stumpings.

The match ended just 14 overs later. Will Davidson hit 14 runs in six balls, with Harrison adding 33 at a run a ball.

Lockett made 13 not out, but the admirable Khalid stole the show with an unbeaten 64, composed almost entirely of 11 fours and two sixes.

Settle have won every league game this season and seem unstoppable as they stride on to the cup semi-finals.

Settle seconds were badly in need of a win and had something of a score to settle at Applegarth where Earby pipped them at the post for the Division Two title after an abandoned match last season.

The hosts got off to a shaky start, but Matthew Garner and Gary Martindale each hit 34 in the middle order.

Stephen Hipgrave (28) and Matthew Gill (22) then ensured a total of 156 all out with Settle’s bowlers not having things all their own way.

John Tarbox (3-50) was more expensive than usual, while Kieren Ashley (2-28) Simon Tarbox (2-37) had to work hard.

There were two catches apiece for Mike Harrop and David Hulse.

Settle’s reply saw Rob Johnson hit a crucial half-century as wickets fell around him.

The 15-year-old opener showed patience and skill in compiling a career-best 56, supported lower down by James Pickard (13) and unbeaten knocks from John Tarbox (30) and Benjamin Hulse (14) seeing the visitors through to 157-5 with an over to spare.

The result puts Settle in sixth place in Division One, with Earby two places behind them.