SETTLE’S second team won their final game of the season against Stackstead at Marshfield but were relegated from the Houldsworth Ribblesdale Division One by a single point.

Settle took advantage of being put in to bat with a solid partnership between John Tarbox (21) and Jack Harrison (27).

The middle order then struggled but was once again held together by Ben Hulse (11) who staunchly defended for 46 balls.

Batting down the order, skipper Kieren Ashley was unbeaten on 22, while Jason Paul added a dashing 26 from 18 balls, most of the runs coming from his trademark reverse sweeps. The partnership ensured a respectable 129-8 from the 35 overs available.

In reply, Stacksteads made steady progress to the thirties before the match was turned round by a sensational take at slip from the veteran James Holgate. His stunning reaction catch revitalised the home side attack, who then proceeded to take seven wickets at a cost of only 13 runs.

Tarbox took 2-12, but the day belonged to the spinners who were almost unplayable. Left-armer Josh Mullinder picked up 3-19 but it was leg-spinner Paul who stole the show, claiming five wickets for just eight runs to cap a fine all-round display as the visitors were bowled out for 68.

Holgate had meanwhile taken another remarkable catch, sprinting from slip to the leg side to hold on to a diving effort. He shares top place in Division One’s final catching charts with sixteen to his name.

Ashley was upbeat about his team’s performance despite the move to Division Two. “Team spirit is high, we have thrashed sides well above us in the table, including first teams, and I’m sure we will bounce back.”

Club spokesman Peter Metcalfe said. “The seconds are a pleasure to watch, with great catching from young and old alike. Kieren deserves much credit for handing responsibility with bat and ball to our junior players who have been outstanding all season.”