A CUP double is within touching distance for Farnworth after they set up a final clash with Horwich in the Bolton League 40-over competition.

The Lavender Road side followed up last weekend's Lancashire Knockout last-four win with a 40-over semi-final victory against Heaton on Sunday.

A depleted Lower Pools outfit opened the batting with Sam Hardman, who scored 17. The top scorer arrived in the form of ninth batsman Stuart Marsh, who struck 20.

The bowling attack of Nakash Qumar (3-21), Chris Wilson (2-19) and Imran Mirza (2-17) had Heaton bowled out for 87.

The low target was easily seen off by a full-strength Farnworth side as Jack Horrocks (38) and Ross Sutton (25) led their side to victory for the loss of only one wicket.

Victory delighted Farnworth skipper Simon Booth, who insisted his side have always shown full commitment in trying the win the 40-over competition.

“They didn't have a great team as they were missing a few players” he said. “They had their pro and three or four other first teamers so it was a pretty routine victory.

“We take every competition seriously and have put our strongest squad out for every game of this competition so we are obviously delighted to be in the final.

“About six weeks ago we knew Farnworth Social Circle were going to win the league.

"They have been the best side this season so we've had to focus on the 40-over and the Lancashire Knockout and now have the chance to win two trophies.”

The win means Farnworth will play Horwich in the final, after they narrowly beat Bradshaw in a low-scoring affair.

A share of wickets between Stuart Hornby, Tom Liversedge, Atiq Uz-Zaman and Phil Dickinson, who all took two apiece, enabled Bradshaw to bowl their hosts out for 83.

Tom Billington was the only batsman of note, scoring 23.

The Rigbys outfit failed to deal with the Horwich bowling as Lewis Haydock starred with the ball, returning figures of 4-11 inside seven overs to bowl the visitors out for 60 – 23 runs short of the target.

The final is due to be played on Sunday, September 18 at Heaton Cricket Club.

Results

Heaton 87 Farnworth 93-1, Farnworth won by 9 wkts.

Horwich 83 Bradshaw 60, Horwich won by 23 runs.