A BROOKSBOTTOMS v Bury cup showdown is still a possibility after the Summerseat men followed their local rivals into the Manchester Association's H.C. Smith Cup semi-finals after a hard fought tie at Vulcan.

Visiting captain Peter Thompson's luck with the coin finally ran out and Brox were inserted on a damp wicket.

The batsmen were never able to dominate against a tight attack.

Following Thompson's dismissal for a brave 28, Brox soon slumped to 87 for 7.

A recovery of sorts followed as all-rounder Brown together with the tail eked out another 53 runs on the closing overs to give the total an air of respectability at 140.

In reply an early wicket for the canny Sharrocks set the home side back.

The Harvey brothers, after shining with the ball, took the fight to Brox and looked in charge until Ernill made his mark with two quick strikes.

The flow of the game then went back toward Vulcan and they appeared to be heading for victory as the hundred arrived for just four wickets.

The turning point came in Eddie Hoyle's final over when the dangerous Mick Harvey was removed by the Brox stalwart.

In the face of tight bowling the tail surrendered rather meekly still 19 short of the target.

Twenty-four hours earlier it was an altogether easier affair as the Summerseat side consolidated their position at the top of the pile with a victory at out of sorts Deane & Derby.

Hoyle and Oliver Hawley both claimed four wickets as the Bolton side limped to 133 all out.

In reply, paid man Matthews, was dismissive of the bowling attack. Hampered by a hamstring injury the likeable Geordie war forced to trade largely in boundaries as he, with useful support from Armsbey, led Brox home for the loss of one wicket inside 30 overs.