Baxenden advanced to a titanic Ramsbottom Cup semi-final at home to Read on July 3rd by overcoming Earby at Applegarth on Sunday.

Fifteen-year-old Fred Nixon struck an early blow for the visitors by removing Chris Walton in his opening spell.

Ben Swindells claimed the prize scalp of Earby pro Ali Azmat and though Craig Walton, dropped twice, ground out a 50,

Baxenden’s bowlers were well on top as paid man Babar Naeem took four for 22 with Simon Payne mopping up three wickets as the home side were shelled out for 125.

Dave Cronshaw then hit an unbeaten 57 and Naeem 46 as Bash cantered to their target for the loss of four wickets in just over half of their allocated overs.

Skipper Andy Caunce (pictured) said: "It will be a great game against Read, particularly if some of their lads who usually don’t play double-headers make an exception and turn out that Sunday! There is very little to call between the two sides.

"We lost fair and square in the league to Whalley on Saturday but stayed top and we are flying in the Twenty20.

"It is great for the league that there are three teams nice and tight battling for top spot and I think Whalley will come through strongly in the next few weeks too."

There were contrasting emotions for Great Harwood, however, as they were unable to defend their 175 for seven in the cup clash with Whalley at The Cliffe and went down by six wickets."