WESTHOUGHTON are one step away from ending their 11-year Hamer Cup drought after they progressed to the final with victory against Walkden on Sunday.

The show-piece event will see the Howfeners face-off against their 2004 final opponents Greenmount – who defeated Farnworth Social Circle.

Ryan Ayres top-scored with 45 as Walkden were bowled out for 106.

Oliver Newby (3-27), Kieran Edwards (2-30) and Matthew Fanning (2-17) did the damage with the ball.

Professional Qaisar Abbas led the reply hitting 46 and Rob Brown struck 33 not out to secure Westhoughton's 21st final appearance – more than any other side.

And captain Rob Houghton told The Bolton News how thrilled he was to make the final: "I am absolutely delighted,” he said.

“We are all really looking forward to it and hope we can put on a great spectacle that will represent the Bolton League.

"There is still a possibility of winning them both (Bolton League and Hamer Cup). We will keep our heads down and see where we are come the end of August.

"Abbas is a big game player. We can always rely on him to produce the goods."

Greenmount – who won the trophy only four years ago – will be looking to lift it for the fifth time.

Skipper Andy Kerr – fresh from his century against Little Lever the previous day – led the way with the bat hitting 68.

The Brandlesholme Road side held a steady score of 163 with 10 overs remaining but the partnership of Damion Keegan (47) and Phil Heaton (32no) boosted it up to 249-6.

That target proved a little too much for Social Circle, who fell 111 runs short thanks to a bowling attack spearheaded by Australian Josh Macey (4-47). Andy Lane was the only batter of note hitting 62.

The final is due to be played on Sunday 2 August.