Walkden took a further step in proving that they have taken over Haslingden's title as unofficial kings of North West indoor cricket, winning the LCB's North West finals for the second year in succession.

Astley Bridge's renaissance, however, was put on hold as they lost their two games. Against MSJ Combined, Bridge made a fine start reaching 74 for 0 in the first half of their innings. Paul Tebay and Tim Barry both reached 26 but a further 62 for the loss of 5 wickets resulted in a disappointing total of 136 for five with wicket-keeper Danny Guest hitting an unbeaten 25. MSJ reached their target for the loss of only two wickets.

In the second semi-final, Walkden's 117 for 4 against Haslingden owed almost everything to skipper Mike Bennison's 31. Matt Parkinson's undefeated 27 and 26 not out from Dave Smith. The Lancashire league club, however, had no answer to the accuracy of the Walkden attack. Parkinson took 2 for 28 while Phil Ingram went for only 15 from his 3 overs, to leave Haslingden 37 runs adrift.

Haslingden gained a little self-respect against Astley Bridge in the third place match when, after bowling Bridge out for 100, they reached 110 for 3. William Halton with 29 and 1 for 29 his side's top performer.

The final was never much of a contest once Walkden had posted 140 for 3 against MSJ. The running between the wickets by Parkinson and Bennison in particular was breath taking. They hit 34 and 27 respectively and Dave Smith added an unbeaten 27 to leave the North Manchester League side with something of a mountain to climb, a task they simply weren't up to against such a precise bowling attack backed up by the usual tigerish fielding.

Their reply petered out at 96 for 2 and now Walkden go forward to the North of England finals again at Old Trafford on March 4.

Last season their march towards Lords faltered only at the very last hurdle. This year, given average luck, they have the ability to go all the way.