BEFORE Settle’s home match against Euxton, players and spectators stood for a minute’s silence to honour two great servants of the club who had passed away.

Eric Mitchell was seen as Settle’s finest amateur batsmen, scoring fifty on every ground in the Ribblesdale League in the 1950s and 1960s.

Paul Strickland’s untimely passing has stunned the club and community. Paul was in office as vice-chairman, generously sponsored the club and worked tirelessly in its interests. His sons all grace the game. Tom captains the first XI, Daniel is second team vice-captain, and Adam plays for both teams.

Play started with Euxton putting themselves in to bat and immediately losing both openers for ducks, clean bowled by Eddy Read (2-38).

The visitors had to work hard to recover in the face of very tight bowling. Tom Davidson took 3-30 at two an over, while pro Ashen Silva claimed 2-19 off 11.

There was a wicket apiece for spinners John Davidson and 20-year old Joseph Pickles, who picked up his first scalp in the Senior League after excellent performances for the second team.

With every bonus point likely to count in the title race, Settle were keen to prize out the last man.

They finally grabbed two extra points as Read speared in a run-out with ten balls remaining, leaving Euxton on 109 all out.

The visitors responded well in Settle’s innings, making Danyl Husbands (35) and Benjamin Hulse (15) knuckle down for their runs, Husbands driving sweetly throughout his innings.

But Tom Davidson then hammered a rapid 24 not out, hitting three straight sixes including one to finish off the match in style as the Marshfield side reached 115-7. Settle are now 12 points clear of Read at the top of Section A.

Settle II picked up four points in their defeat at Cherry Tree.

The hosts made 134 all out despite a career-best bowling performance from Edward Bradley who took 7-23 from 9.2 overs.

Settle’s reply featured a dashing 61 in 46 balls from opener Alex Gould, but no other player reached double figures in a total of 102.

A strong Whalley side racked up 184-8 against Settle III, though Sam Brown took 3-32.

Freddie Spensley (16) led the batting reply but the visitors were all out for 71.

On Saturday Settle's first team travel to Section B strugglers Cherry Tree while the seconds host Division One neighbours Barnoldswick. The Third (Development) XI are at Cherry Tree on Sunday.