SETTLE march on. Another weekend league and cup double extends their impressive winning run and has even the most wary supporter wondering just how far they can go on the three campaigns they are currently embarked upon.

Last weekend they collected a very important league win at Barnoldswick to stay in close touch with leaders Read and also got the better of Whalley to claim a place in the final of the Ramsbottom Cup for the second year in succession.

It will be a shock if they do not collect the trophy for the first time since 1970, for they have already beaten their opponents Great Harwood with something to spare earlier in the season and have home advantage to strengthen their chances.

Their opponents, of course, having ousted defending champions Read, have no reason to fear a trip to Marshfield, but when they arrive on August 15, it will be as underdogs.

Settle reached the final with an emphatic win at home to Whalley.

A strong all-round batting display, lead by Keith Hornby (71) and Robin Morris (53), enabled Settle to reach 225-5 in their overs, sensible application against visiting professional Josh Marquet ensuring a controlled flow of runs.

When Whalley batted, Settle quickly turned the screw and with Morris (6-31) adding serious penetration to his stint, the visitors were dismissed for 151.

Settle again had different players to the fore when they beat Barnoldswick at Victory Park, although Barnoldswick hopes of collecting their second win over the North Craven men were dealt a body blow when chief run-getter Jeeva Kulatunga was run out for eight after losing his footing as the home side chased Settle's 145 total in a 30-overs-per-side match.

While the asking rate was hardly excessive, the home side needed an innings of substance from Kulatunga, but their hopes were dashed when he went cheaply. Trying to get back into his ground after an aborted run, he slipped and Settle snatched the chance to get rid of the biggest threat to their victory hopes. Barnoldswick were bowled out for 84.

Settle doubtless took heart from the fact that Great Harwood, their opponents in the final of the Ramsbottom Cup at Marshfield on August 15, were rolled over for a modest 95 by Earby at Cliffe Park chasing the visitors' 142..