CHURCH aim to end 40 years of hurt when they lock horns with Haslingden in this weekend's Worsley Cup semi-final at Blackburn Road.

Church last lifted the Lancashire League’s senior cup competition in 1974, their only success in the 97-year-old tournament, and have finished runners-up on six occasions.

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“As an amateur cricketer you work hard all week to play in big games like a Worsley Cup semi and it would mean so much to the history of the club and the people at Church if we could do it,” said Church’s vice-captain Levi Wolfenden, who reeled in a matchwinning 3-40 against Rishton in the previous round.

“There are people here who remember that Worsley Cup success and I would love to be part of a Church side winning it for a second time because I have been involved here since I was a kid.”

Pakistani professional Zain Abbas led the charge, top-scoring with 70 and sharing a stand of 69 with all-rounder Wolfenden. And Church’s 188-8 proved out of reach for Rishton who finished 37 runs shy.

Wolfenden said: “It was a game we could not afford to lose. It was a must-win tie and we did it.

“This is Zain’s first season with us and he is a very solid player with tons of ability. He is only 24 and I can see him progressing into the professional ranks.”

Wolfenden, who saw Church lose out in the final to Ramsbottom in 2011 and Lowerhouse a year later, said: “I know the Haslingden lads really well and they are a good team.

“Guys like Graham Knowles and Phil Hayes do well every season for them and it will be a big challenge.”

But while Church are enjoying noteworthy cup success, their league form has dipped.

“It was an excellent effort last year (they finished fifth) but we are a young side in a bit of transition and sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth,” said Wolfenden.

“Saying that, to be in a semi-final of the Worsley Cup and to be going so well in the Twenty20 means that we have got a lot to look forward to this season.”