DEFENDING Ribblesdale Senior League champions Settle now stand alone at the top of the table after a tense home win over Whalley.

The visitors put Settle, who enjoyed a five-wicket win over Feniscowles last week, in to bat.

Whalley spilled half a dozen chances, as Tom Davidson (50) and skipper Will Davidson (49), with support from younger brother John (28), helped the hosts score 169-7 from the rain-reduced 33 overs.

Chasing more than five runs an over, the 11th-placed side got off to the worst possible start when Eddy Read dismissed their pro Jack Edgar with the first ball of the innings.

Although, the next batsmen struck and ran well for a time, the middle order finally shut up shop with the target clearly beyond their reach.

Settle had to use eight bowlers to prise out the stubborn tail, claiming a vital two bonus points in the process.

Whalley were bowled out for 98 with just seven balls remaining. John Davidson (3-18) and Simon Tarbox (2-22) led the way, while wicketkeeper Robbie Davidson claimed two stumpings and two catches.

Settle have their eyes on the double this season, travelling away to Read in the league on Saturday, and hosting the same side in the 20/20 semi-final on Sunday.

Majid Inayat was Barnoldswick's star man in their 34-runs victory over Cherry Tree. The wicketkeeper's 65 led to his team setting a 146/6 total in the 26-overs match.

Despite, Louis Strand (44) opening performance, Jamie Randall and Sajid Akhtar each got three wickets to skittle Tree all out for 112. The Barlicks are now tied in third-place with Padiham.

Earby could only make 67-1 before their clash with Oswaldtwistle Immanuel was abandoned.