ACCRINGTON Cricket Club President Peter Barratt admitted the last year has been "incredible".
The Thorneyholme Road side have gone from the verge of going out of existence and bottom of the league last season to title challengers and Worsley Cup finalists in this campaign.
They reached the final of the prestigious cup competition on Sunday with a narrow, nail-biting seven run win over Burnley at Turf Moor. They face Todmorden or Ramsbottom, whose semi-final was rained off, on 2 August.
"It has been an incredible year," said Peter who appealed for help with a £10,000 debt and duly got it to save the club.
"It just shows what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.
"There has been a big push in terms of finance and effort - everyone from the gateman to the team to the committee - and it has been superb.
"This time last year I was worried the club wouldn’t survive and I really can’t believe what has happened in a year.
"We have put our house in order and I am elated, it is just fantastic."
Accrington are also currently second in the Lancashire League.
"For the last five years, I have been waiting for our luck to change and it finally has.
"I kept thinking it had to change some time. We have played well but had that little bit of luck you need. I am just really looking forward to the final now - I can’t wait."
The chairman was involved in the club the last time they won the Worsley Cup in 1986.
"I remember David Lloyd singing New York and making everyone sing along and I hope to have a similar party if we win it again! There is a great spirit at the club. David Ormerod has come in from Bacup and he is a winner.
"He has made sure they all stayed fit over winter, going to kick boxing and to the gym. When nets started, they were all raring to go and it seems to have really paid off.
"David has been superb and he has driven the lads on.
"To win one trophy would be superb but we are not giving up on the league either."
Sky commentator David Lloyd is back in the Accrington fold for their huge clash at table-topping Rawtenstall in the league on Sunday - Accrington can go top with a win.
"It is another cup semi-final for us," said wicketkeeper Matt Wilson. "Big games are coming thick and fast now and it is brilliant. It has been such a turnaround and I have never experienced anything like it."
