BARNOLDSWICK must wish that Andrew Davidson had stayed at home in his new garden instead of re-emerging from retirement to spoil their day at Marshfield.

Settle’s evergreen 58-year-old spinner, who has had more farewell performances than the Rolling Stones, claimed the latest of his many five-wicket hauls.

With a grip of steel at the Kirkgate end, Davidson took 5-25 from 12 overs, helped by a brilliant diving catch on the boundary by Sadrian Ward.

Ward himself had caused early damage, taking 3-45 including opener Abdul Saddique (16).

Useful knocks came from Patrick Turner (23), Jonathan Beech (18) and Umar Saddique (15), but Barlick struggled to 106 all out.

Ward replied for Settle with 21 quick runs, but the innings lost its big-hitting middle order as spinner Sajid Akhtar almost matched Davidson with a return of 5-32. Barlick sensed a chance to put a spoke in Settle’s title hopes, but a patient seventh-wicket stand by Callum Lockett (28no) and John Davidson (10no) saved the day for a relieved home side.

Lockett ended proceedings with two straight sixes to see his team to 108-6 and a full 12 points.

Although second-placed Whalley have a mathematical chance of sharing the Ribblesdale League title after bowling out Read for just 51 runs, Settle now only need a single point from two remaining matches to lift the trophy as outright champions.

Earby notched up another win as they defeated Feniscowles by 24 runs in Section B.

Matthew Nutter led the way with 64 and was supported by opener Lee Parkinson (32) as a total of 150 was posted.

Matthew Hope (7-37) was the main bowler for Feniscowles, who were dismissed for 125 in their reply.

Parkinson proved to be the key man in Earby's attack with a match-winning 6-44.