Houldsworth Ribblesdale League leaders Barnoldswick are one win away from recording their first Ramsbottom Cup success since 1985.

But reigning league champions Baxenden are determined to stop them on finals day at Oswaldtwistle on July 29.

And defiant skipper Andy Caunce hasn’t given up the league title, even after last Saturday’s one-run defeat by Whalley that leaves them 32 points behind Barlick.

"We will go into the final on an even keel, if not favourites," said Caunce after his team’s 79-run cup success at Settle.

"We’ve got five out and out bowlers while I think they may have to scratch around for their fourth and fifth bowlers.

"There is a never-say-die attitude in our changing room and we all pull together."

Caunce admitted he gave a ‘Braveheart’ speech to rally his troops before going out to defend a total of 161 against Settle.

"I thought it was a 180 track so we fell short," said the Back Lane skipper,

"But we regrouped and got the win.

"We looked unbeatable and sounded unbeatable and if we carry that through to the rest of the season – and get some luck we haven’t had – then there is every chance we can still win the league again."

Caunce paid tribute to Steve Molloy, whose five wickets in 10 overs helped dismiss the Marshfield side for just 82.

"He bowled one bad ball and took his wickets for not very many," said the Baxenden skipper.

Despite Caunce’s optimism, Barnoldswick are in pole position to achieve the coveted double after they saw off Oswaldtwistle Immanuel in their semi-final.

Ossie were hoping they could cause an upset against the league leaders and took a wicket from the first ball.

But Umar Saddique (59) and Abdul Saddique (65) helped them to 234 at Victory Park.

Immanuel professional Chris Cook-Martin hit 46 in the run chase before the vistors fell 49 runs short.

The day before ended with Baxenden maybe ruing their narrow home loss to Whalley.

Wilkin Mota’s 7-52 ensured a surprise away win, dismissing the home side for 164 as the visitors made 165-9 in reply, Kamran Younas with 5-76.

"We didn’t field well enough and dropped too many catches," said Caunce. "That cost us 15-20 runs which made a big difference at the end."

Great Harwood got an element of revenge on Oswaldtwistle who knocked them out of the Ramsbottom Cup.

The two clashed in the league and Amar Ullah made an unbeaten on 47 in 92 balls with five boundaries.

Only Paul Houldsworth (17) and Syed Shahabuddin (14) got into double figures as they were 104 all out.

Veteran Gerard Metcalf finished with stunning figures of 6-16 with Jon Baldwin taking 3-34.

Immanuel must have fancied their chances on a low-scoring track but Ben Dowling took 5-11 and Shahabuddin 4-12 as Ossie wer all out for 63.

Top scorer was Cook-Martin with 22 but no one else could get into double figures to boost their derby chances.