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Nelson will meet Crompton in the final of the knockout competition between Lancashire League and Central Lancashire League clubs after two thrilling semi-finals on Saturday.

The Lancashire League champions scraped through by virtue of having lost less wickets than their hosts Middleton, while Lowerhouse just failed in their run chase against Crompton at the West End.

Professional Roger Harper was the Nelson batting hero as they posted a respectable 179-6 at Middleton, then Martin Heap picked up five wickets when the home team replied.

Middleton looked favourites but crumbled under the pressure and, although they tied the scores, they finished with nine wickets down to let Nelson through.

The Central Lancashire League side were the ones to scrape home in the other semi-final at Lowerhouse.

Crompton were dismissed for 193 and, with 20 wanted from three overs with seven wickets left, Lowerhouse were in the driving seat thanks largely to Chris Bleazard's 72.

But then panic set in and Lowerhouse, needing 11 from the last over, finished three runs short.

The draw for home advantage in the final will take place tonight.