WITH the runners-up trophy safely in the bag, Settle chose to play without a pro against visiting Oswaldtwistle, and spread the bowling among eight players.

Under-18 Simon Tarbox responded by having Sri Lankan pro Sandun Dias caught at slip by skipper Tom Davidson, and there was a wicket apiece for Oliver Whyte and Brook Birley.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Andrew Davidson put himself through eight overs at a cost of just 22 runs.

Ossy’s opener Matthew Roberts fought his way to 99 before offering a catch to Tarbox, as the visitors closed on 201-3.

The reply saw Asif Fazal (12) and John Davidson (26) construct a 40-run partnership for the second wicket, but the only other player to reach double figures was Tom Davidson (12) as Settle folded to 78 all out in 33 overs.

This was not a typical result for Settle who will start next season with high hopes now that champions Clitheroe have moved to the Lancashire League.

Settle have a pool of young talent working its way through the ranks and are soon to announce the signing of a new professional.

Sri Lankan Shashrika Pussegolla was in good form as Barnoldswick sealed promotion to Section A

with a six-wicket win over Baxenden.

Pussegolla took 3-44 as Baxenden were dismissed for 140 and hit 58 in the successful reply. Lee Hodgson made an unbeaten 51.

Earby's miserable season ended in another defeat. They were bowled out for just 55 as Ribblesdale romped to an eight-wicket win. Ian Britcliffe took 6-23.

Settle seconds finished their season in style at Whalley, beating the hosts by six wickets. Skipper Ben Mitchell invited the Lancastrians to bat, allowing John Tarbox to exploit the autumnal conditions to spectacular effect.

The veteran paceman took 7-22, his best figures in 13 years at the club. The highlight was his first-ever hat-trick, with two victims clean bowled and the third caught behind the stumps by Kieren Ashley, to general delight.

Spinner Josh Mullinder took 3-38 as Whalley were reduced to 81 all out.

Mullinder hit two straight sixes in an innings of 33 once Settle took to the crease, while Ashley made 11 not out and Tarbox hit 24 from 17 balls, as the match was won inside 25 overs.

Performances like this will give Settle every confidence in their move up to Division One next season.