PADIHAM and Settle would be forgiven for playing their cards close to their chest when they face each other in the Ribblesdale League tomorrow, just under 24 hours before they meet in the Ramsbottom Cup final.

Settle are smarting following last weekend’s loss to Section B side Salesbury, which knocked the defending champions off top spot, after they were bowled out for 46 - with six-wicket and hat-trick hero Sam Bristol the destroyer in chief for Salesbury.

Captain Tom Davidson and co will be determined to bounce back at the first attempt.

But with the Ramsbottom Cup another ambition, as they look to challenge on all fronts, there will be a reluctance to be too gung-ho.

That could work in Padiham’s favour, but they are set to prioritise the cup having not won it for 10 years.

The cup curtain raiser could be good news for Oswaldtwistle Immanuel, who will be keen to strengthen their new found position at the top of the Ribblesdale League at home to Ramsbottom Cup host club Read.

Feniscowles will endeavour to arrest a losing streak at a Barnoldswick side who are struggling for consistency.

Baxenden have also had a run of defeats, and will be aiming to make the most of home advantage against a Whalley side who had celebrated back-to-back wins before last weekend’s abandonment at Padiham.

Euxton and Earby go head to head at Balshaw Park.

It was a wash-out for Ribblesdale Wanderers at Brinscall so they go into tomorrow’s home game with Cherry Tree aiming to recover from back-to-back defeats.

Salesbury are at home to Brinscall.