IN Saturday’s Craven derby at Marshfield, Settle easily overcame Barnoldswick to remain the only Ribblesdale Senior League side on maximum points this season.

Settle got off to a tremendous start with an opening partnership of 77 between Alex Gould 44) and John Davidson (19). After John Beckwith removed both openers, the home players contributed right down the order, with pro Ashen Silva (25) in calm command. Tom Davidson was caught and bowled by Jonathan Beech for 48, the third time he has narrowly missed a half-ton in four league innings. Robbie Davidson made 31 while skipper Will Davidson smashed 26 from 13 before Beckwith (4-65) rattled his stumps. Beech (3-52) was the other main wicket-taker in Settle’s challenging total of 227-9.

Barnoldswick’s reply could not have been in greater contrast, struggling at 15-3 with Harry Snowden removing both openers. A fighting fifty from Asher Imdad gave the visitors hope before he fell to a catch by Will Davidson off Silva’s artful spin. Masjid Inayat (20) and Beckwith (21) kept up the resistance but the side ran out of steam on 149 all out. Snowden (3-27) and Silva (4-34) took the bowling honours.

Settle’s second string find themselves top of Division One after a tense encounter at Cherry Tree. They were in desperate trouble at 66-8 until a battling half-century partnership between Nick Tyrer (39no) and Ben Michell 22) saved the team’s blushes.

Chasing 127, Cherry Tree came within eight runs of victory, but Edward Bradley’s 2-9 from eight overs kept them in check, leaving opener Michael Timmis unbeaten on sixty and nothing to show for his efforts.

Sunday saw Settle 1st XI go through the Lancashire Cup first round on a bowl-out at Padiham with a home tie against Darwen as a reward. And Settle 2nd XI once again beat Cherry Tree on their patch to progress to the quarter-finals of the Lawrenson Cup. The hosts made 77 all out, leaving Dante Niles (52no) to steer Settle to a nine-wicket victory.

The firsts have a busy weekend in prospect, hosting a 20/20 against Ribblesdale Wanderers on Friday evening, then on the road to Earby on Saturday in the league, and to Oswaldwistle the following day in the first round of the Ramsbottom Cup.