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Having caned the Bombay attack for over 200 runs in two innings towards the end of his domestic season, Surendra Bhave was expecting great things when he arrived back at Settle.

And the Indian run-machine hasn't disappointed with two tons and two half-centuries in his four knocks so far this season.

``I had a couple of big scores against Bombay and I knew I was in good nick, although it's always hard coming over to soft pitches,'' said Bhave, who admits he is at the top of his form.

Those scores of 116 and 92 were enough for Maharashtra to knock out Indian heavyweights Bombay as Bhave's team, which he has captained for the last seven years, reached the final stages of his country's Super League competition.

His run glut has extended to the Ribblesdale League where he has made scores of 54 not out, 67 and 139.

And his 112 allowed Settle to beat Edenfield in the Jennings Rambsottom Cup last week.

``In our four league games we haven't had a win but we started with a win in the cup and hopefully that will rub off on the league,'' added Bhave.

``We improved a few places last season and, if we can do a little bit better again, that will be good.

``If I can get 40s which are good enough to win matches I'm not bothered about getting big scores all the time.''

That said, Bhave has made such a prolific start that he must have last season's impressive run aggregate of 1,113 in his sights. And even at this early stage, it looks as though he could threaten the league record total of 1,373 set by Ribblesdale Wanderers' professional Shahid Nawaz last summer.

``That will be in the back of your mind, although it's too early in the season to aim for that. You have to keep going and then in the last 10 games see if you find yourself in reach of the target,'' said Bhave, who was delighted to return to help out perennial strugglers Settle for a second season.

``I spoke to them as early as May last year. I said I will give my shout about money, which wasn't crazy, and, if they agreed to it, I would definitely come back.

``I love my cricket here. They are a brilliant bunch. Cricketing ability isn't everything and I get on very well with them.''

Settle's Marshfield ground is living up to its name after a week of heavy showers.

But despite the conditions, Clitheroe's attack know they'll have their hands full in trying to stem the flow of runs from Bhave's bat tomorrow.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Cherry Tree v Edenfield, Earby v Baxenden, Great Harwood v Barnoldswick, Read v Blackburn N, Ribblesdale W v Oswaldtwistle I, Settle v Clitheroe, Whalley v Padiham.