IT was a weekend to forget for Settle 1st XI, losing in the Craven derby at Barnoldswick in the Senior Premiership, followed by another rain-sodden unfinished Hamer Cup final.

On Saturday Settle made 151 electing to bat first, with opener Tremaine Dowrich laying down firm foundations with seven fours in his 43. Unfortunately the innings fell away until skipper Will Davidson came to the rescue batting at eight, striking a half-century in 47 balls. Eddy Read helped out with 21 but the visitors still had nine overs in hand when the last wicket fell.

Spinners Dowrich and Ashen Silva took three wickets each to account for the Barlick top order, but the hosts held out for a one-wicket victory, despite Read tearing through the tail to return 3-39.

After trailing to the other side of Bolton last week to watch the rain fall, Settle next found themselves once more at Farnham to contest the Hamer Cup final. Padiham called correctly and made the most of what good weather there was with a total of 239-7 from 40 overs. Settle were unfortunately without their pro Ashen Silva through injury and had to manage without his usual monumental bowling contribution. Will Davidson had most success with 2-37 from his eight overs, including dismissing veteran Jack Edgar for 90.

Settle’s openers departed quickly, leaving Archie Phillipson to stem the tide with 17 runs in half an hour. After a break for rain, the visitors were back at the crease just long enough for sub pro Roshen Silva to be adjudged lbw for three. In rapidly deteriorating conditions and with the covers continually on and off, Tom Davidson hit ten in one over before holing out. When the umpires understandably gave the light, John Davidson and Eddy Read remained unbeaten with Settle on 49-6 with 21 overs still to be bowled.

By contrast, Settle’s 2nd XI finished their Conference North season on a high note, beating Barlick at home by 30 runs. Their innings was dominated by a steady 41 from Paul Dockerty followed by 23 at a run a ball from Richard Bradley. A mature unbeaten 13 from U15 Noah Smith took the hosts to 146 all out.

John Tarbox then rounded off an admirable summer with a typically tight return of 3-14 from eleven overs, but it was man-of-the-match Dockerty who took the honours with 5-30, his first five-wicket haul for the second team.

On Saturday the firsts travel to Blackrod to make their last ever appearance in this league, with the outcome of the cup still to be confirmed.