SETTLE’S hopes of repeating their 2005 league and cup double were dashed at the weekend following an eight-wicket drubbing at Read.

After their Senior League match at Barnoldswick was washed out on Saturday, Settle were on the road the next day for their Ramsbottom Cup semi-final, hoping at the same time to avenge a narrow league defeat by the same side a fortnight earlier.

Read elected to field, leaving Settle’s openers Will and Tom Davidson to post 16 runs each in a flying start.

Callum Lockett (41) and Robbie Davidson (37) then enjoyed a 79-run partnership, though Read’s bowlers severely restricted the run-rate.

The middle order and tail tried at accelerate but lost regular wickets in the process, with the visitors finally dismissed for 158, a rate of four an over.

Although Sadrian Ward took an early wicket, Read’s reply lost no momentum, as Kyle O’Connor hit 45 at a run a ball, while pro Matt Walker made up for his cheap dismissal at Marshfield by scoring 74 not out from 65 deliveries.

An overall run-rate of seven an over meant the hosts had secured a place in the final after just 23 overs.

There were few highlights in the field for Settle, but Benjamin Hulse was once again the most economical bowler, and John Tarbox pulled off a diving catch after a desperate sprint up the slope at the Whalley Road end.

League leaders Settle will hope for normal service to be resumed this Saturday when they entertain Salesbury who only have four wins to their name this season.

Earby's struggles continued when they suffered a 37-run defeat in a match reduced to 22 overs per side against Baxenden.

The visitors batted first and made 147-7 with Alex Marcoft scoring 54 and Ryan Victor (49no).

Earby struggled to 110-9 in their innings as Gary Sudworth impressed with 7-51.