WALSHAW reached the Cross Cup final last night after an epic clash with Association title rivals Atherton writes Neil Bonnar

The match finally finished eight days after it began with Walshaw following up a league victory over the same opposition at the weekend with a 30-run win.

It marks the end of a Cross Cup jinx for three-time reigning league champions Walshaw who have suffered badly in the competition in recent years.

They last reached the final in 1989 and have never won it.

Their big hitters set the pace with in-form opener Anthony Harris hitting 70, pro Jonathan Fielding 54, Brett Collins 46 and captain Rob Faulkner 40.

Philip Wakefield did his utmost to stem the tide with 4-40 as Walshaw reached 239-7.

In reply Atherton were all out with two overs and two balls remaining. Wakefield crowned a fine individual performance with a top score of 54, Paul McLoughlin hit one run less and Philip West hit 35, Collins taking 3-44 and 16-year-old Lee Chapman 3-30 off 10 overs.

They must wait to learn who they will play with the other semi-final evenly poised.

Astley and Tyldesley, who last won the Cross Cup in 1959 and were last in the final in 1982, need 69 runs to overtake Elton's 169.

They have 15 overs to get them and have six wickets remaining. The game, which has already lasted eight days, continues tonight.