GIANT-killers Brooksbottom are two wins away from marking their debut season in the Ribblesdale League with a trophy.

The Bury-based outfit, still to play a match on their own pitch this season, stunned holders Baxenden in a thriller to reach the semi-finals of the Ramsbottom Cup.

Wicketkeeper Ashley Gowers was the Brox hero as the visitors sneaked home with four balls and one wicket to spare.

Baxenden, bidding for a fourth cup triumph in five seasons, looked set fair for the last four despite being bowled out for 193 in 46.3 overs.

They reduced Brooksbottom to 86-6 until stumper Gowers came to the crease for a match- winning, unbeaten 66.

David Mills top scored for the home side with 81.

With just under a month before the penultimate round, Brooksbottom will aim to host Great Harwood at their Summerseat base. Meanwhile, Brox’s, league rivals Edenfield were beaten at the hands of hosts Oswaldtwistle Immanuel, by 121 runs.

Oswaldtwistle Immanuel scored 245-4 with Lewis Mildenhall unbeaten on 82, Oliver Clare scoring 64 and Jon Baldwin 52. Also on Saturday, Read beat Brooksbottom by seven wickets, reaching 80-3 after Adam Barnes’s side were all out for 77 as Jon Harvey took 5-27.