IT APPEARS only one thing separates Baxenden from picking up a hat-trick of trophies - derby rivals Great Harwood.

Bash have already collected the Ramsbottom Cup and, with a 43 gap at the top of the table, the league is their’s to throw away.

But the Twenty20 is up in the air - and iT’s Harwood in the final on Bank Holiday Monday (August 31) at Back Lane (2pm start).

Both reached the quick-fire final last week and Bash skipper Ian Austin admitted it was the showdown both side’s wanted.

Bash saw off Blackburn Northern and Harwood beat Earby in the semi-finals.

"There is a lot of rivalry between the two sides - but it’s all friendly," said the ex-Lancashire all-rounder.

"We get on with them well, know each others teams and it is the best final for us because of the local rivalry and there should be a good crowd on. We just want a fine day as it should be entertaining."

It's a trophy Baxenden want but it’s realistically Harwood’s only chance of silverware this season and Russell Whalley’s side would like to dent Baxenden’s three-pronged assault on the league’s cups.

Austin admits this season is outstripping what he believed Bash could do as they have challenged in recent years but have not lasted the pace.

"It was said we were the strongest side on paper and so were favourites to win the league at the start but on paper, it counts for nothing," said the skipper.

"It’s like Manchester City - they have spent around 100 million pounds and have what seems the strongest side but it is no guarantee of success and we knew that at the start.

"So to be in mid-August, with the Ramsbottom Cup in the bag, more than 40 points clear at the top of the league and in the final of the Twenty20 - it has gone better than we could have planned.

"I do think the difference this year has been the team performance - we have played as a team.

"If one hasn’t done it, the other has. Baber (Naeem) is awesome at times but we have’'t always been reliant on him."

However, they were this weekend when the big hitter whalloped a stunning 189 against second placed Read.

In his entertaining knock he hit an unbeaten 186 with 24 boundaries and six sixes as he took his league run tally to 991 for the season and he will aim to break the 1000 barrier against Blackburn Northern tomorrow.

"We know Baber can do that and it is special to watch," said Austin.

"It’s always nice to see something like that – unless you are bowling against it!

"He was going for it in the final three balls, swinging his bat trying to get 200 but it didn’t come off for him. It gives him something to aim at though."

Talks are ongoing with the paid man about returning next season but Austin admits it’s out of his hands.

He said: "I have not really got involved with what happens next year and whether Baber will stay. He might think ‘what can I do next?’ if we do win everything.

"But my belief is it is harder to win the league but it is harder to defend it - just ask Great Harwood this season."

Defending champions HARWOOD are still in third spot after their narrow three run win over Settle.

Raouf Akbar and Stuart Maher took three wickets each and then opener Allan Armer’s 59 was vital.

They face Earby tomorrow.

And OSWALDTWISTLE IMMANUEL continued their strong season with a six wicket victory over Blackburn Northern.

Gerard Metcalf and captain Imran Abid took three wickets each to limit Northern and then brothers Daniel and Andrew Metcalf both hit 29 to seal the win.

Immanuel are at home to Barnoldswick this weekend as they look to move into the top six in the league.