There was a remarkable series of milestones for Settle’s cricketers over the weekend.

The first XI had suffered two heavy defeats in May, but the sea air and dogged determination combined to produce an excellent result at NPL league leaders Fleetwood.

The hosts were held to 193 all out after a relentless five-wicket haul for Amar Ullah (5-54), and Eddy Read (2-27) made a celebratory return to pick up his 500th wicket for the team. He started in 2007, had three years with Morecambe (168 wickets) and a year as pro with East Lancs (37) before coming back home to Marshfield five years ago. After injury, the resourceful Read adapted to off-spin for this match – and ran out the pro Gavind for good measure.

The reply saw opener Archie Phillipson back in fine form with 39 runs, supported by a strong middle order of Benjamin Hulse (20), Ashen Silva (24) and John Davidson (16). In at ten, Lloyd Smith refused to shut up shop, making a brilliant 33 to go for the win. Settle were only twelve short of victory but picked up seven points for the draw.

Settle were still on a high on Sunday at Garstang, where Lewis Smith’s opening 41 was followed by 63 from Ullah and 15 from Tom Davidson. Defending a modest total of 156 required a top effort in the field which came in the form of a second consecutive five-fer for Tom Davidson (5-30 from 14 overs) and Ullah still in action with 4-20. The bowling success was underpinned by a record-breaking performance behind the stumps from Robbie Davidson (5ct, 2st) who surpassed Brian Hemingway’s 1955 haul. Garstang fell for 117 to give Settle the full 15 points.

Not to be outdone, Settle seconds picked up 15 points at Marshfield, beating Netherfield to go fourth in Westmorland Two. Andrew Fry top-scored with 44, while Harvey Green (25). Noah Smith and Richard Bradley (15 each) took the hosts to 132 all out.

Joe Pickles made his first appearance of the year, picking up 3-15 from twelve overs in the reply, while Ryan Glynn came back to the fold after fifteen years, claiming 2-25 with his left-arm spin. Nick Cokell (2-4) then cleaned up for a 32-run win.

Unbeaten Settle 3rd XI sit at the top of Westmorland Four South after defeating Appleby Eden by 169 runs. Noah Smith (24) and Jason Paul (22no) batted well but the innings was dominated by a stunning 142-run partnership by Alex Dew and twelve-year-old Alfie Walker. Dew hit 17 fours and five sixes in his 135, including a maiden century. Walker’s unbeaten 76 from 94 balls was by far his career best, passing his maiden half-ton on the way, and leaving the hosts with a commanding 299-4.

Two wickets apiece for Max Gilchrist and Ryan Hewitt were topped by 4-20 from Jason Paul’s leg breaks as the Cumbrians made 130 in defeat.

Another full weekend sees the 1st XI at struggling Euxton in the NPL and home on Sunday hosting Leyland in the 40-over cup. The 2nd XI welcome top team Ambleside on Saturday.