Ribblesdale League weekend preview

THERE are lies, damned lies and statistics - but, in the case of Settle's new professional Surendra Bhave, the figures certainly don't lie.

In just seven Vaux Ribblesdale League innings so far this season, the Indian all-rounder has hammered nigh on 400 runs, averages a staggering 99.75 and boasts a Ramsbottom Cup century to boot.

That's more than enough to put early title contenders Padiham on their guard when they visit Settle tomorrow.

And Bhave's skipper David Morrell believes the Yorkshire club's vast improvement this summer owes much to the stunning impact the man from Poona has had at Marshfield.

Settle's new captain should know, for he opens alongside the league's latest batting phenomenon. "He has been an inspired signing for us this season," said Morrell, enjoying his first stint leading a senior side.

"I think he set a record of around 1,800 runs in the North Lancs League last season and he has had several years over here, including a couple of years in Scotland.

"So he's got plenty of experience and knows what the job entails.

"We have had a good start and he's helped a lot. "What is amazing about his batting is his concentration. He aims to bat all the overs.

"He hits everything along the floor and he hits it hard."

Settle, rock bottom of the table last season and a side who have struggled for some time, are enjoying their present respectable position in mid-table and Bhave's arrival has been a major factor.

"He settled in quickly and gets on fine with all the lads," said Morrell.

"Everyone has been impressed by him and he is proving a great asset to the club.

"He's not a bad bowler either, he can bowl off breaks or medium pace and we reckon we have landed a real winner.

"The way he's going, he will pass 1,000 runs in no time and I think he could be breaking a few records."

Settle have much cause to be pleased with the way they have started but it will prove a big test of their new-found credibility against Padiham. The skipper, who stepped up from vice-captain at the start of the summer, knows that, adding: "They are enjoying a very good season but we are looking forward to the game.

"It was just disappointing against Earby at the weekend that we fielded so poorly after getting a good score."

That man Bhave, of course, led the way with an unbeaten 90, his highest league score so far this season.

It surely cannot be long before he reaches three figures in a league match - Padiham beware.

Elsewhere, two teams expected to be in contention for the title, Clitheroe and Earby, are in opposition at Chatburn Road.

Tomorrow's games: Barnoldswick v Blackburn N; Cherry Tree v Baxenden; Clitheroe v Earby; Gt Harwood v Whalley; Read v Oswaldtwistle Imm; Ribblesdale W v Edenfield; Settle v Padiham.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.