SETTLE first team notched up two easy victories to complete their 100 per cent record in the Senior League, while the seconds clinched the Division One title despite losing for the first time this season.

On the road all weekend, the 1st XI made 172 all out at Read on Saturday. The two scores of note came from pro Ashen Silva who made 64 from a patient 96 deliveries, while overseas amateur Dante Niles raced to a half-century at a run a ball.

Read’s reply was severely rattled by Harry Snowden who knocked back the off stump of the two openers in his first wo overs. Silva and Niles took two wickets apiece, but it was Snowden who stole the show with his stunning bowling analysis of 6-32 from eleven overs. Read folded on 120 all out.

Sunday’s match at Whalley was over in a flash. The hosts were all out for 75 inside 28 overs, thanks to Eddy Read taking 4-36 from twelve persistent overs, and another great performance from Snowden with 4-18 from seven. Robbie Davidson shone behind the stumps with four catches, while Benjamin Hulse took two in the field.

The result was never in doubt, but Settle stuttered at the start, losing two early wickets, until skipper Will Davidson (13) restored order, and Tom Davidson (16) and brother Robbie (21) both finished unbeaten as Settle made it home on 78-3.

Settle 2nd XI had a shock heavy defeat against Stacksteads 1st XI as the hosts racked up 237-9 in their 45 overs. There were two wickets each for John Tarbox, Oli Whyte, Ben Mitchell and Will Tyrer, well supported by keeper Dan Strickland who took three catches.

Tarbox (23) and Mitchell (14) then took the game to the hosts, but it was a vintage performance by Andrew Davidson which saved Settle’s blushes. Davidson has retired more times than the Marshfield faithful can count, but rather then appearing as a hologram as ABBA have done on their comeback, it was the real batsman who applied five decades of experience to remain stranded, top-scoring with 25 not out, as the youngsters fell away at the other end. He hit four boundaries, wisely avoiding too much dashing up and down the wicket. This came after putting in a seven-over shift for one wicket in Read’s innings.

Despite the loss by 122 runs, the Division One title went to Dan Strickland’s men after other teams failed to pick up the required points. With Sunday’s opposition conspicuous by their absence, the second team celebrated in the Settle afternoon sunshine, though a day of cricket would have been welcomed. Tributes must also be paid to Nick Tyrer’s Development XI who finished second in Division Three. The aim of this team was to bring on young players and give everyone a chance without over-prioritising results, but such is the strength of the Settle squad that a top-end finish to the season came naturally. At senior and junior level. 2021 has been Settle’s greatest all-round season.