WITH the first team’s Ramsbottom Cup match at Applegarth abandoned, the focus was on the corresponding Lawrenson Cup match at Marshfield, where Settle seconds entertained Earby in their second group match.

In a game reduced to 25 overs, the visitors were put in and were soon in bother through the now familiar sight of John Tarbox (3-13) hitting the stumps early on.

It took a valiant 51 not out from Nigel Hodge to hold the innings together, backed up by 21 from Gary Martindale.

Matthew Gill (18no) saw Earby through to 117-6, but not before Adam Strickland (2-20) picked up late wickets.

The reply saw Settle lose quick wickets as well, but James Pickard hit a rapid 14 before the arrival of Will Davidson.

The first team vice-captain, recovering from a knee injury, had not picked up a bat all season before being called up as a replacement at short notice. He wisely avoided running around too much, instead striking eight fours and two sixes in an unbeaten knock of 60 from 40 balls.

Joseph Robinson (2-18) was the pick of Earby’s bowlers, but Davidson’s onslaught steered Settle safely home to 119-6 within 21 overs.

On Sunday, Settle firsts travelled to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in the first round of the Lancashire Cup.

In front of a boisterous crowd, heavy with football fans from the Premier League match next door, the illustrious Lancashire League side beat Settle by just two wickets. Simon Tarbox hit 19 not out but the hosts’ man of the match was Josh Mullinder, an all-rounder who is often a match-winner with bat and ball for the second team.

He showed his potential at this high level by top-scoring with 31 runs out of 120 all out, and taking 2-16 in his bowling spell. Callum Lockett took 3-30 and Tom Davidson (2-27) before the close.

This weekend is another double-header for Settle firsts, welcoming Ribblesdale Wanderers on Saturday and travelling to Brinscall next day in the league, while the seconds travel to Church Meadow to play Wanderers on Saturday.