THE long run of injuries and absences continued to haunt Settle 1st XI as they lost both NPL double-header matches at the weekend.

Lewis Smith (32) opened well against visitors Blackpool, but it was an unbeaten 64 from Amar Ullah which saved Settle’s batting line-up from embarrassment. Harvey Green (14) at the tail was the only other player out of single figures in the total of 143 inside 40 overs.

However, Settle’s bowlers struck back with the visitors themselves struggling on 55-5. Skipper Will Davidson (5-42) rose to the occasion with a fighting five-wicket haul, supported by 2-22 from Lloyd Smith. The hosts were finally just two wickets short of a win, with the points allocation of Settle 2, Blackpool 15, looking bewildering to a casual observer.

Lewis Smith continued his good form on Sunday at Longridge, working hard for his 37, with mid-order backing from returning pro Ashen Silva (31) and a battling 24 at a run a ball from Will Davidson.

The total of 136 was always hard to defend despite Davidson swiftly removing a Longridge opener, but Settle’s bowlers made the hosts fight for every run as defeat by seven wickets only came after 45 overs. There is the prospect of a decent points haul against basement side Mawdsley this Saturday if a full squad is available.

In Westmorland Two, Settle seconds pulled off a thrilling win at Heysham. They scored a modest 120 after being put in, with James Snowden making a patient 37 and Gus Ogden hitting 22 at a run a ball.

The bowlers had to be on their mettle in the reply, with Will Smith (2-18) leading the way. Outstanding figures of 3-4 from nine overs by John Tarbox were followed by a match-winning return of 4-9 by Richard Bradley, who removed the last batter with two runs to spare. Settle remain in second place in a league of sixteen and entertain Morecambe on Saturday.

Andrew Davidson was pulled out of retirement to claim top figures of 2-7 for Settle thirds in the Division Four T20 cup at Shireshead, who reached 71-8. Alfie Walker, over five decades younger than Davidson, hit 22 not out in a fine example of the spirit of third team cricket. Gym Mallalieu-Black (12no) and Jack Caton (11) took Settle through to this Sunday’s quarter-final at Kendal after a seven-wicket victory.