Matt Twentyman continued his impressive run of form for Bury as Simon Belston’s side eased their way into the semi-finals of the Cross Cup with a 68-run victory against local rivals Walshaw at Radcliffe Road on Sunday.

The overseas amateur, who notched up a century against Little Hulton on Saturday, hit another 90 runs to steady the home side’s innings before being bowled by Danny Hornby.

Irfan Rana also scored a half century as the hosts recovered from 112-7 to total 208-8 after 48 overs.

The visitors, who were always under pressure, did well to recover from 48-4 as they were skittled for just 140 runs. Belston bowled both professional and overseas Raki Weerasundara (10) and Jack McClung (11). Sixth bowler Nick Murphy top-scored with 33 before being bowled by the ever-impressive Nekoli Parris as he took 5-31.

Belston said: “We knew Parris would get the wickets when he came in for his 18 overs. It was good he got Murphy as he was Walshaw’s main threat. The rest of our bowlers just worked around him.

“It was a tight encounter and it was good to get one over our local rivals.

“However it wasn’t easy. We took it to 48 overs but to be honest we struggled our way through to 208.

“It was definitely a good total to get our teeth into because we were struggling at 67-5 and 112-7,” said Belston.

“Walshaw are a good side. They bat deep and even their lower order is useful. They will finish in the top six in the league.”

Elsewhere, an impressive seven-wicket haul from Luke Perry and a half century from Stephen Lang saw Flixton demolish holders Atherton in the second round of the Cross Cup at Higham Park yesterday.

In a repeat of the league fixture just 24 hours earlier which Flixton had narrowly lost by 15 runs, the 2011 runners-up batted first with Lang top-scoring with 56. Ashley Perry also hit 46 as Flixton totalled 225-9. Jamar Griffiths was the pick of the Atherton bowlers with 3-61.

Phil Wakefield (38) and Matt Lilley (28) were the only scorers of note for Atherton as last year’s league and cup winners were bowled out for 147 with Perry taking 7-55.

Jaco Fourie starred with both bat and ball as Edgworth took a little over four hours to dispose of record 11 times winners Little Hulton.

The South African took 4-21 as Little Hulton were bowled out for 88 in the 32nd over.

The 24-year-old went on to top score with 71 not out as Edgworth took just 17.5 overs to notch up 90-3 and claim the victory over the 2008 and 2009 cup winners.

Worsley bowlers, David Hamilton and David Purcell put up a good fight against Daisy Hill at St James Street but eventually succumbed to a 50-run defeat.

Hamilton led the way with 5-33 off his nine overs and Purcell claimed 4-46 off 15.1.

However, the impressive duo had no answer to in-form Daisy Hill batsman Shaun Brooks who top-scored with 71 as the hosts reached 176.

In reply, Worsley were bowled out for 126, with Chris Taylor hitting 24. Stephen Hodgkinson was the pick of the Daisy bowlers taking 5-60 off 15 overs, which included three maidens.

Bury will take on Daisy Hill in the semi-finals with Edgworth being paired with Flixton.

Cross Cup second round results:

Atherton 147 Flixton 225-9.

Flixton won by 78 runs.

Bury 208-8 Walshaw 140.

Bury won by 68 runs.

Little Hulton 88 Edgworth 90-3.

Edgworth won by 7wks.

Daisy Hill 176 Worsley 126.

Daisy Hill won by 50 runs.