The weather and unfulfilled batting performances put a dampener on Settle first team’s progress at the weekend.

The only NPL league match to be abandoned was at struggling Euxton, where the Marshfield men were hoping to pick up points. They are nominally 9/13 in the table, but with games in hand and several cancellations, the current positions are meaningless.

On Sunday they were disappointed to bow out of the 40-over cup, courtesy of Leyland. John Davidson (33) opened well, but support was limited, with five scores in the teens and no other substantial innings. 133 all out was a tough total to defend, but Settle’s bowlers gave it their best shot.

In the end, two solid Leyland knocks were the difference between the sides, but Lloyd Smith (2-20) and in-form Tom Davidson (3-25) ran the visitors close, losing by just two wickets.

The Settle second string are going from strength to strength, with a home win against Ambleside consolidating their second place in Westmorland Two. The Cumbrians struggled to 94 off 27 overs. Will Smith (2-29) got valuable wickets under his belt, but Richard Bradley (5-17 from 7 overs) returned his first five-wicket haul at this level. The reply saw Harvey Green (23) and Noah Smith (17) push the score along, but Andrew Fry (34no) is enjoying a great run of form. currently averaging 52 in four innings. This six-wicket victory will enhance Settle’s hopes of a worthy league placement in the 2025 reorganisation.

And Settle’s 3rd XI will also be hoping for advancement next year, still unbeaten after six matches and way ahead in Westmorland Four South. They made 130 at Sedbergh School with Sam Walker (33) and Jack Caton (24) to the fore. Former wicket-keeper Ryan Hewitt took 4- 44 to secure a win by 13 runs in a well-contested match.

There is more action for the 1st XI this weekend with a home T20 against Netherfield, and a chance to put things right against Leyland in the league. The seconds travel to Westgate, while the thirds play Kirkby Stephen 2nd XI on Sunday, just one of an incredible 22 Settle fixtures on a single day, almost certainly a county record.