SETTLE 1st XI pulled off another successful double-header weekend to leave them fourth in the Ribblesdale Senior League table with a game in hand.

The match at Whalley featured a remarkable double by skipper Will Davidson. After hitting a half-ton opening the batting, he went on to take a five-wicket haul opening the bowling. His partner at the crease was 15-year old Yorkshire batsman Archie Phillipson who compiled a patient 51 in his first outing at the top of the order at this level. Phillipson’s maiden Senior League half-century took 123 balls and was a testament to his maturity and patience, a perfect foil for Davidson’s whirlwind 56 in 42 balls which included ten fours and a six.

The hosts then suffered at the hands of pro Ashen Silva who struck an imperious 64 at a run a ball, backed up by 18 from Dante Himes. Benjamin Hulse (11no) and Ryan Sumner (16no) finished at a canter leaving Settle on 232-4 from 45 overs.

Whalley quickly lost both openers to Davidson and were only saved from embarrassment by their skipper Frankie Jackson who made 70 before falling to Silva. Davidson took 5-55 from 15 overs in the procession which followed, with Eddy Read economical at 1-26 from nine overs. though the hosts denied Settle the bonus points by holding out for 145-9.

There was a tense finish on Sunday at Marshfield, the match against Salesbury fluctuating every few overs. Settle got off to an uncharacteristically weak start but were hauled round by a bruising 41 from Tom Davidson and 37 in even time from Niles, each player smacking three fours and two sixes.

James Snowden made 13 as Settle found themselves 134 all out with five overs unused.

The reply saw paceman Eddy Read in menacing form, taking 3-31 from nine relentless overs. After giving his all, he handed over to Niles whose wily spin brought him 4-28 including the catch of the match by Harry Snowden, full stretch at short mid-wicket.

The skipper juggled his bowlers as the game seesawed, Tom Davidson repaying his brother with a wicket from his first ball. Silva was unyielding at the other end, wheeling through t5 overs to claim 2-28 and hold the hosts in check.

Salesbury gave Settle a good run for their money but were all out just 18 runs short with six overs going spare.

Settle seconds lost their opening Lawrenson Cup group stage match at Read who amassed 230-7 from 40 overs.

There were three wickets apiece for Max Seddon and Joe Handy but Gus Ogden was the pick of the bowlers, conceding just 14 runs from eight overs of craftily flighted left-arm spin.

Paul Clarke (43) and Robbie Pickard (35) posted a first-wicket stand of 81, followed by 30 from Peter Cook who had not picked up a bat for six years. Handy scored 22 from 16 balls, but at 198 Settle ran out of steam.

On Saturday the firsts travel to current league leaders Brinscall, while the 2nd XI host the same club’s struggling seconds.

Settle’s Development XI welcome Ribblesdale Wanderers on Sunday in their opening Division Three encounter.

Another successful weekend of cricket for Settle and they'll be hoping to follow up suit this weekend.

The first will certainly face a tough challenge at Brinscall, but they have more than enough to get another victory on the board.