POPULAR West Indian Sadrian Ward has agreed to extend his stay with Ribblesdale League leaders Settle.

The Barbadian will return as their young overseas amateur player in 2018 and look to build on an impressive first season at Marshfield.

Ward, who was recommended to the club by former West Indies star Collis King, has flourished with both bat and ball culminating in three devastating knocks of 89 from 38 balls v Salesbury, 138 not out from 80 v Gala on the club’s Scottish Tour and a match-winning 89 from 63 against Euxton.

The Carlton CC colt met with club chairman Andrew Davidson and former Settle pro King to discuss his prospects.

King is in no doubt that Ward has a future in the game and that Settle was the place for him.

King said "I am encouraging Sadrian to come back to Settle, because it is the best place for him to learn his cricket, in a team that is his own age. He is doing well and he gets on with it.

“That is a big thing,” said King. "I have coached Sadrian since the age of 13 and he clearly has potential.

"It has taken him half a season to adjust to the Dales climate, softer Northern pitches, the time clock and English culture.

"He needs another season at Settle so he can blossom and grow into a fully-fledged attacking all-rounder.

"I loved my time at Settle in the early 90s, enjoyed the club, the town and above all the people.

"I know Sadrian is in good hands and clearly he is rapidly improving as a player and enjoying time with his team-mates.”

Settle chairman Andrew Davidson is delighted. He said: "It took Baz (as he is known at the club) a while to get used to our way of life.

"It was a massive culture shock for him and he spent the first four weeks just shivering.

"He nearly keeled over with hypothermia when in a dressing gown he had to go out onto the road and wave some sheep back into a field. It was 3C! "However, he has improved. His stroke play is reminiscent of Collis and you can see the influence of his coaching. He is now also bowling an English length and a tighter line and getting his rewards.

"The lads love him and those who witnessed his demolition of the Salesbury attack were entertained in typical calypso style. He's also a nice lad, typically Barbadian and a refreshing addition to the team, both on and off the field."