WHALLEY pulled off the surprise of the Castlemaine XXXX Ramsbottom Cup quarter-finals when they beat Baxenden.

Professional Jonathon Harvey had led Baxenden to a total of 217-3, scoring a personal total of 118. He must have thought the total would have been enough against the league's bottom club, but they hit back with 218-4 thanks to 51 from Alex Whelan and his father Mark Whelan followed up with 59 not out to see them into the semi-finals despite the gathering gloom.

Barnoldswick's clash with Settle also turned into a day-night match which finished well after 9pm. The Victory Park club reached 142 and made Settle fight all the way, but they reached victory on 145-7 with Stuart Hornby scoring 57.

Oswaldtwistle made little effort to chase Read's total of 244-5 after Peter Sleep scored 77 not out and Mark Veevers added 53 not out. Ossy's innings ended on 146-9.

Great Harwood smashed their way to 252-8 despite Earby professional Mohammed Ayun taking four wickets for just 17 runs in his 10-over spell. Liam Deasey scored 51, Russell Whalley 52 and Paul Newton 46 not out.

The depleted Earby side were shot out for 59 with Chris Ramsker taking four wickets for just five runs and Gordon Simpson picking up 4-16.

Results: Barnoldswick 142, Settle 145-7; Whalley 218-4, Baxenden 217-3; Oswaldtwistle 146-9, Read 244-5; Gt Harwood 252-8, Earby 59. Semi-final draw (July 20): Settle v Whalley; Read v Gt Harwood.