THE semi-final line-up for the Anthony Axford Indoor Trophy was decided on Sunday, with holders Horwich RMI being joined by Tonge, Farnworth and Astley Bridge in the last four.

First to qualify were Farnworth who beat after they batted first and managed 67-3 off their 12 overs. Top scorers were Harry Morgan, with 22 not out, and George McManus (20). Pick of the bowlers for Farnworth was James Fox with 1-6 off two overs.

Farnworth chased down the target in 10.1 overs without losing a wicket. Matthew Hicks scored 26no and Joe Settle was 22no.

Next up was Kearsley against Tonge where the latter batted first and made 99-4.

Connor Thompson scored 27no, Sam Hardman got 22 and Hasib Patel hits 15 runs. Pick of the bowlers for Kearsley was Jack Scott with 1-17 off his three overs.

In reply, Kearsley were all out for 64. Joe Capstick was top scorer with 22, with Hasib Patel taking 2-14 for Tonge.

The next match saw Westhoughton play Astley Bridge who batted first ,scoring 92-3 - largely due to contributions of 25no from Milam Patel, Haaris Atkar (28) and Irfan Puda (25no).

In reply, Westhoughton lost wickets very quickly due to some excellent fielding and were 32-5 at one stage.

But a last-man stand by captain Rob Houghton, who top scored with 25 before being bowled by Puda, brought their total to 58. Astley Bridge’s captain Yasser Rashid took 2-6 off his two overs.

The last match of the afternoon was between Farnworth Social Circle and Horwich RMI who batted first and amassed the highest total of tournament so far this year with 118-3, thanks to Josh Little (31no), Jordan Higham (26) and Tom Billington (20).

FSC were then all out for 89 with Ben Hamilton top scoring with 41. Billington completed an all-round performance by taking 2-24 off his three overs.

Sunday’s semi-final and final times are:- Tonge v Horwich RMI (12.30pm), Farnworth v Astley Bridge (1.45pm); Final is due to start at 3pm.

* The ECB ACO (Association of Cricket Officials) will be running a stage one umpire's course at Farnworth CC on Lavender Road, Bolton on Sunday, February 6. To take part in this course you have to register online with the ECB. Log on to the Lancashire ACO website, follow training and then Farnworth 6/2/22. This should bring up the booking form and further details of the course.