The highest level of club cricket in the country beckons Settle Cricket club for the new season, which sees the town’s cricketers play in the Northern Premier League against the likes of Blackpool, St Annes, Fleetwood, Kendal, Netherfield and reigning Lancashire Champions Longridge.
After a successful last six seasons in the Ribblesdale League and the fledgling North West Cricket League, the Settle players now hit the dizzy heights of premier status club cricket, where not only do most opponents have Test or County professionals but most have ex-County players such as Lancashire’s Richard Gleeson and Cumbria Minor County players in their ranks.
Club chair Andrew Davidson says “It will be a big ask for a small club like Settle to go toe to toe with some of the biggest and best clubs in the North, such as Blackpool and Kendal, but we are aspirational, can match most clubs on our day and are a talented bunch ourselves.
“Our track record over the last six years has led us to being invited into the top tier of English cricket and we are relishing the opportunity.”
It is quite something for a small club from a population base of 2,850 to be dining at the top table, but the club is one of the strongest in Yorkshire, this season boasting 14 teams, a hard core of coaches and a junior system the envy of many.
Settle’s first game on April 20th sees them travel to Garstang, premier winners from 2022, then on the 27th to Lancashire Champions Longridge with a 1st home game v St Annes on May 4th.
The 2nd XI will play in The Westmoreland League Division II and the 3rd XI in Division IV. It is hoped to also put out a Sunday Friendly XI this year also.
“We try and cater for all ages and abilities, male and female,” Davidson added. “If you are a county superstar or someone who has never held a bat there is a place and a team for you. Just come down to the club and join in.
“There isn’t a better place to be on a sunny afternoon than at The Marshfield playing or watching cricket.”
The surge in girls cricket is another area that the club has welcomed and developed.
“All girls and ladies are welcome as are any young players interested in the game. You will find a team that you can join.”
Sri Lankan Professional Ashen Silva returns to the club for a fifth spell.
Get Involved
Winter nets are now ongoing for all ages and teams – contact Ian Walker on 07766 400236.
1st XI and Senior teams plus last year’s U15 players will start at Giggleswick School on Tuesday Feb 20th. Any new players interested or anyone new to the district that would like to join in and help out please contact Andrew Davidson (Chair) on 07561 780384.
Junior Teams
Ian Walker: 07766 400236
Ladies/Girls Cricket
Julia Graham: 07515 548995
Walking Cricket
Ian Grey: 07930 091315
Friendly Mid-Week Cricket
James Eather: 07496 804389
Sponsorship
Tom Strickland: 07447 934902
Facilities & Clubhouse Hire
Gemma Hickling: 07487 248047
Website: https://settle.play-cricket.com/home
