IN their quest for a fourth successive Ribblesdale Senior League title, Settle knocked Brinscall off the top spot on Saturday and remain the only unbeaten side in the table.

The Lancastrians elected to bat and looked steady if rather tied down at 53-2. However, the next eight wickets fell for just 31 runs as spinners Dante Niles (4-22) and Ashen Silva (4-8) ploughed their way through the line-up. They were supported by two catches and a stumping for Robbie Davidson. The hosts did well to last 40 overs but a total of 84 was never going to pose a problem.

Keen to get the match over, skipper Will Davidson hit three fours and a six in his 22, while Silva struck an unbeaten 35 at a run a ball. Archie Phillipson (13no) sensibly opted to occupy the crease at the other end as Settle cruised home inside 18 overs.

At Marshfield the 2nd XI challenged Brinscall seconds with a hefty total of 241-6. There were double figures all down the page with John Tarbox making 25 not out, Paul Dockerty 19 and captain Dan Strickland and Joseph Pickles 17 apiece, but half-centuries from James Snowden (58) and Andrew Fry (55) provided the main batting honours.

Tarbox then had the miserly figures of 1-15 from eight overs while Dockerty returned 2-22. Pickles and Snowden finished off the lower order with three wickets each, to leave the visitors 117 all out and propel Settle to joint top of Division One.

Sunday saw Settle’s 3rd (Development) XI make their first outing in Division Three. Visitors Ribblesdale Wanderers made 170-6 with wickets expensive and in short supply, though Will Tyrer was very economical with 1-14 from eight overs.

In reply, good early work by Harvey Green (26) and Richard Bradley (23) was backed up down the order by 31 from Harris Dinsdale and 21 from Kris Attewell but the hosts came up short at 125 all out.

This weekend Settle 1st XI have a demanding schedule, travelling to Ribblesdale Wanderers on Friday night in a 20/20 bash, followed by hosting Wanderers in the league next day.

Then on Sunday they entertain Lancashire League outfit Burnley in the first round of the prestigious Lancashire Cup. The seconds are on the road at Cherry Tree while the Development XI go to Earby.