Worsley Cup semi-final - Haslingden v East Lancs

BILLY Stelling's heroics have made East Lancs slight favourites to pip Haslingden for a place in the final of the Jennings Worsley Cup.

But the semi-final resumes at Bentgate tonight, with the match still finely balanced, Haslingden needing 108 to win from 21 overs with six wickets in hand.

Haslingden skipper Mark Griffin is well aware of the challenge facing his team from their great rivals and said: "Stelling played very well but it's down to our amateurs now. We know we have to get off to a good start tonight, that's vital."

It was, without doubt, Stelling's day on Saturday when the South African took centre stage against a Haslingden side fielding Gordon Parsons as substitute professional. First he clattered a magnificent unbeaten century to inspire East Lancs to a very respectable 200 for five, then bowled 15 overs conceding just 25 runs as well as taking the valuable wicket of Jack Simpson.

Having won the toss and decided to field, Haslingden were celebrating as East Lancs slumped to two for two. But then professional Stelling and skipper Mark Lomas took charge of the game.

Both men gave chances but were let off the hook and Haslingden paid dearly as Lomas grafted his way to 43 and Stelling produced the fireworks with an unbeaten 111.

The professional's century came from 110 balls and he hit 14 fours and a six. He and Lomas put on 141 in 37 overs for the third wicket.

Haslingden's reply was progressing fairly smoothly but the loss of Simpson, and Steve Dearden for a duck, was a severe blow.

Much will now rest on the experienced shoulders of Michael Ingham.

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