FENISCOWLES underlined their tag as cup specialists after booking another cup final appearance after beating Burnley in a sweltering semi final clash.

And while Fenny only required six out of the possible nine rubbers it was a closer contest than the 5-1 scoreline suggests.

But it sets up a final appearance against Blackburn Northern in September where Feniscowles will be looking to win the trophy for a remarkable fourth time in a row.

And despite the change in format in this year's competition, where three doubles pairs were used instead of two, the result was just the same for Feniscowles.

However reputation counted for nothing and battling Burnley made sure the cup holders had to fight all the way to book another final appearance.

Burnley were still in the tie after the first round of rubbers thanks to number two pair Paul Barlow and Graham Rushton beating Feniscowles number three doubles Richard Taylor and Richard Cameron in straight sets 7-5 6-3.

That gave Feniscowles a slender 2-1 lead at the end of the first round after number one pair Eric Knowles and Damien beat Burnley's Ian Wolstencroft and Simon Finney 7-6 6-1 while their number two pair Neil Gibson and Jim Baldwin beat beat Burnley top duo David Whittaker and Ian Taylor in a tough three set match that Feniscowles eventually won 7-5 2-6 6-0.

And despite winning all three rubbers in the second round, Feniscowles were given a scare - especially Knowles and Taylor who had to come from a set down to beat Whittaker and Taylor 2-6 6-4 7-5.

Gibson and Baldwin beat Barlow and Rushton 6-1 6-4 while the cup final appearance was secured when Taylor and Cameron beat Wolstencroft and Finney 6-3 6-3 in another tough two set match.

The margin meant that there was no need to play the remaining three rubbers as even if Burnley had won the all they still would have lost the match 5-4.

Now Feniscowles have set up a derby clash with Blackburn Northern who were given a bye into the final after Park Wood of Rawtenstall could not produce a full team. The final will take place at Burnley Tennis Club on Saturday, September 4 where a full programme of East Lancashire League Cup finals will take place.

Burnley's Ian Wolstencroft was happy with his sides performance despite the defeat that cost them a cup final place.

He said: "The result does look like it was one sided but there was some very close games. But all players on both sides played very despite the very hot conditions which made it quite unbareable."

And Feniscowles skipper Jim Baldwin said that it doesn't get any easier despite booking their fouth consecutive cup final appearance.

He said: "We have finished in mid-table in the league during the same time we have won the cup for three seasons so it does appear that we are something of cup specialists. But that does not mean it is getting any easier and Burnley gave us a very tough match."

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