AFTER the entire Ribblesdale League programme was wiped out by rain on Saturday, Settle resumed normal service by overwhelming Oswaldtwistle at Marshfield the following day in the Senior League.

Alex Gould (29) gave Settle his usual all-or-nothing start by smashing five fours and a six, before three quick wickets fell. Robbie and Tom Davidson then set about the bowling in a 99-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Tom made 44 including a couple of straight sixes before holing out to the long on boundary, while Robbie (58) reached his half-century with a mixture of drives and slog-sweeps in a welcome return to form.

Overseas Amateur Dante Niles (19) and skipper Will Davidson (18 from 12 balls) kept up the momentum with a flurry of sixes combined with lively running between the wickets.

Oswaldtwistle picked up two bonus points by bowling Settle out, but the damage was already done with a total of 209. Although their bowlers suffered, apart from Kurt Smithson (4-47), the fielders took seven fine catches as the home side took the aerial route.

The visitors’ reply was in early difficulties after Eddy Read removed Smithson to a catch by sub fielder James Pickard at mid-off, followed by Sean Dignan falling to a direct-hit run out from Will Davidson at point.

Read then removed pro Daniel Metcalf as Ashen Silva took a diving catch inches from the ground at mid-on. The middle order generally struggled with Bradley Martin top-scoring with 18 and only three other players getting out of single figures.

Off-spinner Niles took 3-12 in just four overs, but the star performance came from the perennial paceman Eddy Read who claimed 5-39 from 14 overs. His total of five-wicket hauls stands at an astonishing 36, dating back to his first five-fer in 2009 against Blackburn Northern.

Oswaldtwistle were all out for 101 from 35 overs to leave Settle as the only club in the league with maximum points. As all Saturday’s matches were abandoned, the league may designate another date for the fixtures, which would include Settle taking on basement team Whalley.

Settle have a busy weekend in prospect as the 1st XI travel to struggling Brinscall on Saturday, while the seconds entertain Whalley in the Lawrenson Cup group stage. The 3rd (Development) XI are on maximum points in Division Three as they head for Ribblesdale Wanderers on Sunday.

As well as three senior teams, four junior sides and a friendly XI, Settle are delighted to introduce their Womens’ XI captained by former Yorkshire player Jo Ward. They will have their inaugural match at Marshfield on Sunday, welcoming Ribblesdale Wanderers.