THE Marshfield faithful were deprived of a couple of hours of Senior League cricket in perfect weather, simply because Settle made short work of third-placed Ribblesdale Wanderers.

The visitors started promisingly until Harry Snowden struck twice and Adam Strickland ran out an opener. Overseas Amateur Ryshon Williams hit a lively 42 before falling to his opposite number Dante Niles. The last five wickets fell for 32 runs as they were cleaned up by Niles (4-26), Snowden (3-28) and pro Ashen Silva (2-41) with eight overs to spare.

A target of 146 was unlikely to pose problems and Alex Gould teed off from the start, hitting 23 at a run a ball, while John Davidson moved impressively to 39 with a series of well-timed on-drives. He struck four fours and a six before being cut off unexpectedly, bowled, after initially being given not out. Tom Davidson chipped in with 19 in even time while Silva eased steadily to an unbeaten 32. The match was won within 25 overs and just three wickets down.

Club Chairman Andrew Davidson was delighted at the win, though regretted not being able to bat first. He joked, “Short home matches are not helping our bar takings! Well done to the lads, but twenty-eight overs went begging!” Settle (78 points) are notionally in second place in the league behind Feniscowles on 95, but they have two matches in hand (including a washout replay) and are the only side to have secured maximum points in all matches.

Not to be outdone, Settle 2nd XI are also unbeaten, now at the top of Division One after an away win against Burnley Belvedere first team. The hosts struggled to 98 all out, thanks to 2-22 from Angus Ogden and a great performance from the twins of spin, Joseph Pickles (3-11) and Joseph Handy (3-16).

Settle’s top five then made encouraging starts but most fell in the tens and teens. However, Ben Mitchell removed all doubt by hitting five fours in a cheerful knock of 22, Settle crossing the line with six wickets down.

It’s another big weekend in prospect for Settle firsts as they move unbeaten in the 20/20 cup to meet Craven rivals Barnoldswick on Friday, with a league trip to mid-table Cherry Tree next day. The main event will be Sunday’s Lancashire Cup second round tie at Marshfield, taking on Darwen from the Lancashire League. Andrew Davidson will be hoping to get his money’s worth that afternoon.