SETTLE are leading the way in the Ribblesdale League’s Senior League after two seven-wicket wins

They defeated Feniscowles on Saturday and Baxenden on Sunday to take top spot.

Settle’s new overseas all-rounders were to the fore at Marshfield on Saturday against Feniscowles, a side that has usually struggled in the Senior League with only one win last season

Despite a steady start with just five wickets down for 115, Feniscowles came up against South African spinner Kyle Scheepers who took 4-28 at only two runs an over, while the Barbadian seam bowler Sadrian Ward took 2-13. The reliable Callum Lockett chipped in with 2-22, leaving the visitors on 118 all out.

The home team made short work of the total as John Davidson (15) and Scheepers (47 with seven fours) built a stand of 77, leaving Lockett (24no) and Ward (17no) both unbeaten as Settle crossed the line at 123-3 inside 23 overs.

Sunday’s game at Baxenden saw another comprehensive win for Settle as the hosts slumped to 104 all out.

Ward was in great form, this time taking a spectacular 7-41 in 17 lively overs, the best bowling figures in the league this season. He was supported by 3-37 from skipper Tom Davidson.

It took just 18.3 overs for Settle to claim their fourth league win in as many matches, as opener Adam Strickland, promoted from the seconds, hit 24 runs, followed by Lockett and Ward doing no harm to their averages with further unbeaten knocks of 38 and 30 respectively.

This seven-wicket victory puts the Marshfield side firmly at the head of the Senior League table.

Overseas player Shashrika Pussegolla was a key figure as Barnoldswick defeated Padiham by seven wickets.

He took 3-76 as Padiham made 194-8 and hit an unbeaten 68 with 11 fours, in the successful run chase.

Patrick Turner (3-53) was the other main wicket taker for Barlick, while Amir Saddique’s 59 was crucial in stabilising the Victory Park side’s reply after the loss of both openers.

Earby were bowled out for a disappointing 111 as they slipped to a 56-run defeat against Whalley.

They were undone by the bowling of Sam Sweeney (6-47) as Whalley defended their total of 167-9 with some ease.

Kye Stevens top scored for Walley with 49 as Ryan Levy picked up 4-38 for Earby.

Settle seconds had a tough time of it against Stacksteads firsts, losing by 83 runs in Rawtenstall.

The home side posted 201-9 with John Tarbox (4-56) again in the wickets and debutant Ryan Hodgson taking 4-45.

In reply, opener Adam Strickland’s 30 runs included six fours, and James Pickard (29) offered strong resistance, but apart from Kyle Handy (13) and Shovo Khan (10) runs were in short supply as Settle were all out for 118 in 25 overs.

Settle have a busy weekend ahead, entertaining Whalley on Friday night in their first 20/20 outing of the season.

Next day they travel to Earby in the Ramsbottom Cup, followed by a trip to Turf Moor on Sunday to take on Burnley in the opening round of the Lancashire Cup.