CHURCH pro Mike Watkinson, back from Lancashire duty, steered his side into a EW Cartons Worsley Cup semi-final against Todmorden at the expense of Nelson.

Watkinson survived an lbw appeal from his first ball but went on to make 72 before he was bowled by Trevor Kegg. Church made 173-7.

Nelson paid man Keith Arthurton made an unbeaten 64 but tight bowling from Mark Aspin and Watkinson kept Nelson in check. The middle and back order offered little resistance and Nelson were nine runs short as the last man fell.

Church haven't won the league's prestigious trophy since 1974.

Todmorden cruised through to the last four despite another glorious batting performance from Matthew Mott.

The Rawtenstall pro took on the Todmorden bowlers single handedly, coming to the crease with a score on 14 and still occupying it when the overs ran out on an undefeated 118.

Mott's innings, which included 13 fours and a six, proved to be to no avail.Todmorden's Richard Baigent and Stuart Priestley took the score past the century mark for the first wicket before professional Dan Marsh joined Priestley to guide Todmorden home with six overs and nine wickets to spare.

Last season's beaten finalists East Lancashire also enjoyed a comfortable ride to the semi-finals as they completed a clean sweep of victories for the home sides, the opposite to the second-team competition where all four winners were the visitors.

Having bowled out Enfield for just 117, East Lancs were given the platform for their six-wicket success with an 81-run opening stand between Andy Clague, who fell just one short of his half-century, and Phil Bolton (37). Skipper Phil Mercer (16) guided his side home with more than eight over to spare.

EW Cartons Worsley Cup semi-final draw: Haslingden v East Lancashire, Church v Todmorden. Lancashire Evening Telegraph Second Team Cup: Todmorden v Church, Accrington v Haslingden.