SETTLE achieved a resounding eight-wicket win at Euxton, though they will be annoyed at not bowling out the opposition to claim maximum bonus points.

However, with 58 points out of a possible 60 in the Senior League, they are still streets ahead of second-placed Chrry Tree on 40 points as they bid to retain their league title.

Baz Ward (2-40) removed both openers when Euxton elected to bat but the hosts looked comfortable at 110-4. Callum Lockett soon changed all that with a return of 4-21 from eight overs with the innings closing on 150-7.

The response was an opening stand of 63 by Tom Strickland and Jack Harrison. Strickland (30 from 44 balls) was first to go, but Harrison continued his excellent form this season, now with 248 runs in all competitions.

He fell for 61 when Settle were just three runs short of their target. His relentless 94-run partnership with sub pro Ocky Erasmus (52) took the game away from Euxton in 32 overs

Settle seconds are in mid-table in Division One following their maximum 24-point haul over the weekend.

Their double-header at Marshfield started with them being bowled out for 159 against Salesbury, as Alex Gould (15) and Simon Tarbox (31) laid the foundations.

Alan Lones (30) and skipper Ben Mitchell (15no) boosted the score, but the highlight was an innings of 39 from 40 balls by under-17 Kyle Handy batting at number nine. His temperament and timing produced seven boundaries worthy of a senior opener.

There was not much of a reply from the visitors, dismissed for 95 in 34 overs. There were a couple of wickets each for John Tarbox and Joseph Handy, while Alan Lones took 3-25 in his spell.

But it was Benjamin Hulse who cleaned up at the end, removing a stubborn opening batsman caught and bowled, followed by the final pair, giving him figures of 3-3 from just two overs.

Sunday’s match against Ribblesdale Wanders was a low-scoring but engrossing affair. The visitors were all out for 67 after John Tarbox ripped through their line-up with 6-20, while Simon Tarbox took 2-14 in seven tight overs.

At 4-3 Settle’s reply was looking shaky, but opener Eddie Keighley hung around long enough to make 29 crucial runs, and Benjamin Hulse scored 18 despite a collapse taking place around him. The hosts were relieved to win by three wickets as Wanderers fought them hard to the end.