SETTLE picked up easy points in the Craven derby match on the first day of the Ribblesdale League.

Their task was nowhere near as tough as it might have been once Earby's pro was given orders not to bowl due to a minor injury.

Steve Crook, who arrived with a reputation as a super quick bowler, is on Lancashire's books and they were unwilling to risk aggravating the injury. But with no medical certificate, Earby were unable to call up a substitute professional.

Earby secretary Brian Traill said that he would be available to bowl for the team at home to Baxenden on Saturday.

Settle can only beat what is in front of them, and they set about their task with ruthless efficiency.

Last season they finished fifth but were let down by their failure to produce some big scores with the bat.

They look to have addressed that as, chasing just 109, Paul Stafford, who joined Settle from the Bolton League with best friend and new Settle professional Stuart Hornby, scored 66 runs off just 61 balls as Settle got the job finished in just 23 overs.

Earlier John Tarbox had come into the side and produced some very tight bowling to finish with three for 54. Hornby looks to have thickened out and added a yard of pace after his spell in Australia. Behind the stumps Paul Worthington was in fine form. He is one of four players sent to Old Trafford for specialist coaching and the investment looks to be paying off.

Paul Ridgeway is available for the second match, when Settle travel to Great Harwood, on Saturday. Barnoldswick get their season under way with a trip to Read