KEY matches in all sections of the local cricket scene decorate this weekend's programme, with crucial league matches and cup semi-finals blending to create a schedule packed with interest.

In the Jennings Ribblesdale League, the visit of improving Settle to league leaders Barnoldswick should be an absorbing tussle if form lines are a reliable guide.

Both sides are enjoying an unusual degree of success this season, with Barnoldswick pulling out a plum in the shape of their new Aussie professional, Clinton Peake, and Settle boasting arguably the best bowling attack in the division.

Peake's all-round talents have attracted generous praise from many quarters and with strong support now coming from a team which is enjoying the sweet taste of success once again, Barnoldswick have every right to fancy their title chances.

That said, Settle may present a serious challenge. They have moved up the table at quite a rate in recent weeks and while the margin of some of their wins has been as tight as it gets, they have handled the pressure and come up with the points.

Key to success has been the bowling of Stuart Hornby and Paul Ridgway, with David Jolleys and John Hughes providing a tight option for skipper Andy Davidson. They have proved the most economical and penetrative attack in the league, their ability to keep the screw tightly turned forcing opponents in rash moments which have produced wickets.

"Things are different this season at Settle," says Davidson. "There has been no pressure on us and there won't be on Saturday. We're just enjoying being involved in a winning run. It makes such a difference to be up among the title challengers rather than getting whipped every week and it's situation we are thriving on. Winning matches on a regular basis is a new experience for some of our players and they are enjoying it. The trip to Barlick is one of those games you play cricket for, a match with an edge."

The same is true in the Airedale & Wharfedale League programme, where Steeton's trip to Adel could have a serious impact on the destiny of the league title in Division A. Both teams are at the sharp end of the division and a win would give Steeton's hopes a major boost.

In contrast, Skipton are in urgent need of a win to stay in Division B and the visit of Illingworth tomorrow looks to be their best chance of getting one. Both teams are striving to get clear of the relegation zone, with the Sandylands men desperate for a win.

Sunday brings the semi-finals of the Wynn Cup in the J P Mewies Craven League, with the meeting of local rivals Thornton and Embsay at Carleton an interesting affair. Last weekend, Division One leaders Embsay gave their Booth Bridge Lane rivals a seriously clattering and will be confident that they can keep alive their hopes of a league and cup double with a repeat performance.

The form-book, however, can be notoriously unreliable in one-off matches and if the weather holds, a trip to Ramper Park could be a very enjoyable way to spend Sunday afternoon.

Unless, of course, you are a Skipton CI supporter, in which case the picnic will be heading for Chatburn, who will stage the other semi-final against Barrowford.

Jennings Ribblesdale League

Senior Division: Barnoldswick v Settle, Whalley v Earby.

Airedale & Wharfedale League

Division A: Adel v Steeton. Division B: Skipton v Illingworth, Silsden v Otley. Division C: Upper Wharfedale v Harden, Addingham v Horsforth.

J P Mewies Craven League

Division One: Barrowford v Skipton CI, Bradley v Oakworth, Cowling v Pendle Forest, Embsay v Cullingworth, Foulridge v Thornton, Haworth v Long Lee.

Division Two: Airedale v Ingrow, Chatburn v Sutton, Cononley v Denholme, Gargrave v Carleton, Glusburn v Jimmy Nelson's, Ingrow St John's v Haworth WE.

Division Three: Cullingworth II v Glusburn II, Long Lee II v Embsay II, Oakworth II v Cowling II, Pendle Forest II v Barrowford II, Skipton CI II v Bradley II, Thornton II v Haworth II.

Division Four: Denholme II v Airedale II, Ingrow II v Chatburn II, Keighley Tech II v Gargrave II, Long Lee II v Foulridge II, Pendle Forest III v Ingrow St John's II, Sutton II v Cononley II.

Sunday

Wynn Cup semi-finals: Barrowford v Skipton CI at Chatburn, Thornton v Embsay at Carleton.

Upper Airedale Junior League

Under 15s: Wednesday - Airedale v Skipton, Long Lee v Cowling, Upper Wharfedale v Steeton, Settle v Cullingworth, Oxenhope v Sutton.