Bolton League side Walkden have reached the North of England six-a-side cricket finals.

They qualified for the event after winning the Bolton title and the Lancashire finals and now go forward to the next stage on March 3 at Old Trafford.

They have reached that stage of the competition for the last two years but have failed to win through to the national finals, which are held at Lord's.

That will be Walkden's target this year and their form suggests they are capable of going the whole way.

In the Lancashire semi finals they swept aside Haslingden, who were considered the strongest side in the competition. They restricted the Lancashire League side to 102-3 with Phil Ingram continuing his impressive bowling with 1-7 off three overs.

In reply the Bolton League side reached 104 without loss, Mike Bennison 26 and David Smith 29 before retiring to allow Ingram 27 and Rob Slater 14 to seal the match.

In the final they faced Wythenshawe and came away with a four wicket win.

Ingram's bowling return of 1-16 and an impressive 2-7 by John Smith held the Manchester side to 86-5.

Walkden then replied with 98-2, David Smith leading the way with 28 not out.