IT was a tumultuous weekend for Settle cricket with all four of its matches being decided by a margin of four runs or under.

The initial shock was the 1st XI losing its first league match in 22 months after an unbroken series of 34 wins.

An even greater shock was losing to Craven rivals Barnoldswick who were right at the bottom of the Senior Division, a massive 130 points behind Settle.

The weather undoubtedly played a part with the overs being reduced and targets adjusted, but credit must go to the Barlick middle order of Josh Trembearth, Abid Ul Wahab and Majid Inayat who all posted scores in the forties. The hosts made 175-4.

Archie Phillipson (28) and James Snowden (25) responded with a steady 53-run opening partnership, with Tom Davidson (28) and John Davidson (22) hurrying things along down the order.

Despite great attempts by the tail, Barlick won by three runs with nine wickets down, Jonathan Beech the pick of the bowlers with 4-74.

There was better news for Settle in the Ramsbottom Cup semi-final at Padiham, but it was again desperately close. James Snowden (21) was again in the runs followed by a relentless 81 from 100 balls from pro Ashen Silva. At the other end Robbie Davidson cracked on with 63 runs from 56 to bring the total to 216-7 from the 40 overs.

Eddy Read struck a crucial early blow by removing pro Jack Edgar with seven on the board, while Silva and Harry Snowden took a couple each. Then an astonishing innings by Callum Clarke nearly seized the day for the hosts. Only one other batsman made double figures, but Clarke smashed an unbeaten 146, including eleven fours and 13 sixes as wickets fell around him. His great heroics went unrewarded as, with six needed to win from the last ball and the last man in, Settle held their nerve to scrape through after an exhilarating match. The final will be against Read at Marshfield on 14 August.

There was another nail-biter for Settle 2nds as they made 159-9 entertaining Salesbury in Division One. The main contributions were from opener Robbie Pickard (28), Alex Dew (21) and Elliot Marklew who struck 30 going in at nine.

The visitors got off to a great start with their top four hitting twenties, but Daniel Strickland threw off his keeper’s gloves to join the bowling attack, getting a reward of 4-27.

Salesbury finally need six to win with the last pair standing, but John Tarbox had the last man caught by Robbie Pickard to save the day.

More nervous tension was in evidence when the Development XI hosted Stacksteads 2nd XI in Division Three. Settle made 105-5 from 20 overs (Richard Bradley 32) and in a rain-adjusted finish won by just two runs after Will Tyrer took 4-11 from eight overs.

This weekend, Settle look forward to two highly anticipated Craven derbies as the first team welcome Earby and the seconds travel to Applegarth. The Development XI are at home to Feniscowles.

In other news, Settle Cricket Club welcome The PCA England Legends XI to Marshfield on Friday 19 August 2022, with proceedings getting underway at 14:30 (Gates open 13:45)

Tickets are available on the gate or to book in advance please contact Settle Cricket Club.

It's an exciting chance to potentially watch the likes of Swann, Bell, Trott, Panasar, Tudor, Mustard and Shah.