SETTLE eased their way into the Ramsbottom Cup quarter finals by overwhelming Ribblesdale Wanderers at Marshfield.

The 87-run victory had a firm base in the half-century opening partnership of Tom Davidson (20) and brother Will (39), the latter hitting three sixes and three fours in his innings off just 25 balls. Youngest brother John was not to be left out, adding 25 runs in a more watchful performance. Kyle Scheepers (15) and Tom Strickland (17) helped steer the hosts to 161 all out, but six overs were left unused.

This waste of overs was to prove irrelevant as Oliver Whyte took 3-25 in the Wanderers reply, with Scheepers claiming 2-10.

The pick of the bowlers was left-arm spinner Josh Mullinder who cleaned up the tail with a return of 3-19, reducing the visitors to 74 all out inside 30 overs.

Keeper David Worthington was on song with three stumpings and a catch.

Settle seconds bowed out of the Lawrenson Cup after another shaky performance against Wanderers at Church Meadow.

That they managed a high total of 178 all out was due to a sound knock of 29 from opener Adam Strickland, a generous boost of 33 in extras, and above all a superb unbeaten innings of 84 from John Tarbox.

This was his highest score in 14 years at the club and was achieved with 14 fours and two sixes.

In the face of a challenging target, the hosts proved unforgiving against Settle’s attack.

Off-spinner Joe Handy was the most successful bowler with 3-43, but Wanderers won by four wickets with 12 overs to spare.

Settle firsts take on Earby in the 20/20 Cup on Friday, and Padiham in the Senior League on Saturday, both at Marshfield.

The seconds are on the road for the third week running in their Division One match at Padiham.