Victories for Settle and Barnoldswick as Earby lose heavily

The hosts were put in to bat but were stifled by Eddy Read (2-18) making a welcome return from injury. Tom Davidson (2-31) worked hard at first change, while spinner Thomas Strickland (3-30) was supported by excellent catches, including a diving grab by Oliver Whyte at short mid-wicket.

With matches limited to 40 overs, two points for dismissing a whole side are at a premium. Settle achieved this inside 35 overs, with their championship batting line-up, anticipated reaching the 111 target without drama.

The visitors were well on their way at 76-3 with opener Robbie Davidson coolly in command. However, a late combination of accurate bowling and some cavalier shots saw four wickets fall for 20 runs.

After Davidson departed for an invaluable 41 from 22 overs, it was left to Simon Tarbox and Tom Davidson (11 each) to help salvage the innings. Then two wickets suddenly fell with the scores tied, but a relieved Settle finally inched home with the last man in.

Ribblesdale Wanderers top the Senior League table with 24 points, followed by Settle and Padiham with 22 apiece, after they eased to victory at Earby.

After electing to put the hosts into bat first, Wanderers cleaned them all out for only 53 off 26.3 overs. Martin Windle and Sam Perry were Earby's joint highest run makers on a lowly nine.

Opener Mack Spencer hit 40 from 30 balls to help his side reach their target in less than 10 overs.

Barnoldswick were back to winning ways after beating Whalley by three wickets.

Captain Jack Edgar got the visitors off to the perfect start with his half century. However, it all went down hill from there, as his team only made 48 more runs before being bowled all out. Sajid Akhtar (3-5) impressing for the Barlicks.

Despite Frankie Jackson's (3-25) and Nathan Mashiter's (3-22) efforts, the home side won the game within 23.3 overs.

This Saturday, Settle host fellow title challengers Padiham, Barnoldswick play Read at home, and Earby travel to Feniscowles.