SETTLE'S hopes of winning the Senior League Section A title were dealt a body blow when they suffered a 49-run defeat at Great Harwood.

They missed the chance to capitalise on leaders Clitheroe having no game and now face two crucial games if they are to get their challenge back on track.

This Saturday sees Settle at home to Oswaldtwistle Immanuel, the team who beat them in the recent Ramsbottom Cup final. That is followed by a title showdown at Clitheroe on August 22.

Settle must have fancied their chances when they dismissed Great Harwood for 150. Pro Imran Khalid, who the club are keen to retain for another season, took 5-57. It was his fourth five-wicket haul of the season and he was supported by Asif Fazal (5-49).

Settle’s would have been confident of success but a first-ball duck for Khalid was a massive blow. Robbie Davidson (29), peter Cook (14) and Laurence Read (15) were unable to go on to make the decisive score which their side needed as Harwood's pro Joe Hawke took 5-32 as Settle were bowled out for 101.

Barnoldswick returned to winning form in Section B with a hard-earned two-wicket victory over Brinscall which saw them chase down a challenging total of 264-8.

Openers Abdul Saddique (33), and Luke Hodgson (32) gave their side a sound start which provided the platform for Umar Saddique and South African Kyle Marshall to capitalise on.

Saddique made 60, while Marshall hit 68 before becoming one of the victims of Joshua Murket (4-53) as Barnoldswick lost wickets in pursuit of quick runs.

Wicketkeeper John Hall didn't let the situation trouble him and guided them to their target with two overs to spare as he made an unbeaten 26.

The Brinscall innings had been dominated by Lehann Jansen van Rensberg who made an unbeaten 111. Abdul Saddique (3-56) and Kyle Marshall (3-80) were the pick of the Barnoldswick bowlers.

There was also a much-need victory for Earby as they squeezed a one-wicket win in the basement battle at Baxenden. Pro Dave Crotty (87) and Ian Clarkson (56) contributed 143 of Earby's winning total of 219-9 after hosts Baxenden posted 216-9.

Settle seconds pulled off a narrow win in Division One in a sporting home encounter against Euxton, both teams supplying sub fielders when the need arose.

Although the hosts managed to bat out their overs, only three players made double figures. Benjamin Hulse (30) continued his good form and Jason Paul (16) was entertaining down the order, but the innings hinged on a splendid knock from John Davidson who hit 64, including four sixes and five boundaries.

The total of 148-8 did not look enough when Euxton were 82-0, but leg-spinner Paul (5-47) held his nerve in a sustained attack, with Davidson and Josh Mullinder each claiming two wickets.

Skipper Kieren Ashley was relieved to see the final catch being held by David Hulse, fielding at square leg instead of behind the stumps, as Euxton were all out for 130.