A VICTORY by 200 runs is a rare event in the competitive Senior Division, but Settle pulled this off on Saturday at Ribblesdale Wanderers thanks to top-class batting all down the scorecard and stunning bowling by Harry Snowden.

The Dalesmen unsurprisingly elected to bat and set about their task with relish. There was yet another half-century from pro Ashen Silva (67) who passed one thousand runs for the season in the process. John Davidson’s return to form continued with 45 at a run a ball, and contributions down to number eight came from Robbie Davidson (38), Tom Davidson (35), Dante Niles (24) and Benjamin Hulse (20no).

With a total of 274-7 there was obviously no problem with the wicket, but the young fast bowler Harry Snowden relied on sheer pace to hustle through the home line-up. His figures of 8-16 from eleven overs are outstanding not just for the number of wickets but also for the extraordinary economy. Five of his victims were clean bowled, with one lbw, as Wanderers simply could not cope with his speed. They were all out for 74 in 23 overs, putting Settle 45 points clear at the top. Snowden’s figures are the best in the league this season.

Meanwhile, defending Division One champions Settle seconds entertained current leaders Ribblesdale Wanderers and in the end saw them off comfortably. In any other club in the league, Daniel Strickland would be in the first team, but Settle are stacked with talent and fortunately for the 2nd XI he is captain and his duty lies there. He struck his second fifty in consecutive matches and entertained the home crowd with beautifully timed strokes though the off side, including the shot of the match hit square on the up. Paul Dockerty (32) fought hard at the other end in a 68-run partnership, and John Tarbox continued his run of form with 45 going in at six. Richard Bradley added 21 to leave Settle on 189 all out.

Wanderers did not live up to their top billing as Ben Mitchell (4-30) put paid to the top order with hostile pace, leaving spinner Bradley to work his way through the other end with a stand-out return of four wickets for two runs in two overs.

The 86-run victory means Settle are 13 points behind the leaders but with a game in hand. They are still very much in the hunt to retain their title.

Following Friday’s 12-run win over Craven rivals Barnoldswick in the T20 (Harvey Green 42, Richard Bradley 3-19), Settle’s Development XI beat Cherry Tree at home in Division Three. The highlight was a third half-ton of the season by Andrew Fry (51) but Callum Mathew (46) and Ryan Hewitt (35) contributed to the 219 total. Bradley and Elliot Marklew then took three wickets apiece to leave the visitors on 186 all out.

It’s a big weekend in prospect for Settle as they head to Padiham on Sunday for the semi-final of the Ramsbottom Cup, calling first at Barnoldswick on Saturday in the league. The seconds entertain Salesbury while the Development XI travel to Stacksteads.