GOLBORNE reached their third Vimto Trophy final in successive years after they beat holders Spring View in the semi-final.

They will meet Darcy Lever, six wicket winners at Blackrod, who are making their first appearance in the final.

Spring View batted first and started well with Nigel Geary hitting 40 in a total of 176-8. Ewan McCray finished with 4-25 and Graham Marston 3-26. Marston was also in form with the bat for Golborne hitting 33 but Andy Batterley provided the bulk of the runs with 61 out of a total of 179-4.

At Blackrod it was a partnership between Darcy Lever's Wayne Hopkinson and Gary Harper that won the tie.

Blackrod hit 136-7 with Andy Ingham 27 and that looked a testing total as Darcy were made to struggle in the opening overs of their innings.

Hopkinson and Garner then came together and kept their heads to steer Darcy into the final. Hopkinson finished unbeaten on 62 and Harper 40.

Golborne will stage the final on September 22 after winning the toss to decide the venue.

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