Battle for youth

Cricket:

OLDHAM under-15s have a battle on their hands if they are to progress into the Lancashire Schools’ Ainsworth Trophy competition, following indifferent results in the Lancashire Schools’ Merit League.

The Greater Manchester area league winners and runners-up will go into the Ainsworth Trophy, with the third team playing-off for the remaining place.

The quarter-final draw of the prestigious knock-out competition has already been made at Lancashire CCC, with the final scheduled to take place at Old Trafford on September 16.

Oldham remain in third place following a win against Bolton and defeats by Wigan and Rochdale.

Rochdale look certain to qualify and Wigan are second, four points ahead of Oldham.



IN the Saddleworth League under-17s division, Ashton enjoyed a routine victory against Moorside.

Batting first, Moorside were all-out for 65, Ashton coasting home on 66 for the loss of one wicket.