AFTER a flying start to their Senior League campaign, Settle came unstuck at Marshfield in the first group-stage match of the Ramsbottom Cup.

Electing to bat on a superb track and fast outfield, Barnoldswick posted a commanding 257-4 from their 40 overs,.

Abdul Saddique led the way with 112 from 94 balls, including 11 fours and a six.

Barnoldswick's Sri Lankan pro Shashrika Pussegolla was on even better form, smashing an unbeaten 97 in 64 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes, as the home bowlers struggled to stem the flow.

Callum Lockett clean bowled his two victims, but even he went for 67 from eight overs.

Settle were three wickets down with just 20 on the board before Lockett (26) and Tom Davidson (14) established a partnership, but it was Tom Strickland who led the counter attack with 44 runs in even time.

Last man David Worthington struck 20 from 12 balls, but the hosts ended on 159 all out, a deficit of 98 runs. Saddique (3-31) and Pussegolla (3-23) were the pick of Barlick’s bowlers.

Earby lost their first Group Two game as they went down by 85 runs by Ribblesdale Wanderers.

Brendon Louw (69) and opener Bilal Ahmed (32) guided Ribblesdale to a score of 144-7. The best of the Earby bowlers was Safyan Ahmed (2-16).

Earby needed a good start to their innings but didn't get one. They struggled against Ian Britcliffe (3-17) and Bernard Foster (3-17) and were bowled out for 103.

At Victory Park, Settle seconds posted an under-par 122 all out in the Lawrenson Cup, though Daniel Strickland made a resolute 38 with solid support from Mike Harrop (15) and Kieren Ashley (18).

Barlick’s reply was initially shattered by a fiery spell from John Tarbox (4-13) who, with Ben Mitchell (1-18), reduced the hosts to 15-5.

But David Scothern made 32 not out and Adil Ali an unbeaten 51 as Barnoldswick were revived.

Settle's fielding was good with Adam Strickland taking a good diving catch at deep cover.

His brother Daniel was less fortunate, dislocating his thumb attempting a catch at long off, but the loss by three wickets will have been nearly as painful for the visiting team.

This Saturday, Settle firsts welcome Feniscowles in the league, while the seconds are on the road again at Stacksteads.