WHILE the arrival of foot and mouth in the Clitheroe district is not the kind of development Ribblesdale Cricket League officials were hoping for, news from the league this week is entirely positive, with Settle coming back into action and no other restrictions necessary.

Settle have been 'quarantined' since the outbreak first surfaced in the district, but after consultation between players, MAFF and the NFU, the club has decided to resume league fixtures and also junior practice sessions on Friday evenings and Sunday morning.

Settle will return to action tomorrow at Great Harwood, but will keep the situation under close review.

Although the rain finally got the better of the derby match between Barnoldswick and Earby at Victory Park on Sunday, Barnoldswick emerged from the weekend with nine points in the bag after their win over champions Ribblesdale Wanderers at Church Meadows the previous day.

A fine innings by Mike Beech was the key to success for the visitors, who, after one or two problems with the bat in recent weeks, finally posted a total which gave their bowlers a chance.

Beech hit an unbeaten 82 as Barnoldswick totalled 171-8 in their 45 overs, openers Ian (17) and Michael Scothern (29) giving useful support and a decent foundation.

Although everyone in the Wanderers' line-up managed a contribution, Barnoldswick claimed wickets at a steady rate, the arrival of Raja Arshad into the attack providing a decisive cutting edge.

He finished with five wickets for 46 runs as the home side fell for 158 to give the Victory Park men a welcome boost.

Arshad was also in good fettle the following day before rain intervened.