Crompton as proud as punch

Photo: Tim Bradley

STRIVING for a wicket, skipper Simon Wright steams in for Crompton against Littleborough in the Wood Cup semi-final

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WITH a slice of dash and a portion of doggedness, Crompton booked their ticket for the 2017 Wood Cup final.

Captain Simon Wright produced a sparkling innings of 88 not out and the incomparable John Punchard, in his 61st year, carried his bat for unbeaten 45 as the Glebe Street outfit defeated Littleborough by seven wickets.

For those local cricket lovers desperate to lap up a Crompton v Royton final showdown on Sunday, August 6, Rochdale wrecked the dream as they proved superior at The Paddock. See other story.

It leaves Crompton, as proud as punch, to carry the flag for the Oldham teams in the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League's premier knock-out competition.

On the evidence of his performance, Wright's men can go to Towncroft beaming with confidence.

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Twice they dug in. First with the ball after openers Clinton Perren and Tom Pye had put on 39, they restricted Littleborough, who were unable to find a replacement professional for Ryan Burl, to 158 for seven from their 50 overs.

With the bat, they lost their first three wickets for 35 runs, including overseas amateur Denis Louis and pro Akbar Rehman.

Crompton had a piece of good fortune as Punchard was skittled in Ryan Knight's opening spell, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball.

That should not detract from Punchard's contribution. As fit as a fiddle, he ran the ones and two, picked up the odd boundary - five in total in 111 balls faced - and stood tall against the decent pace offered by Knight and the impressive Lewis Wilman.

"John batted superbly - he's black and blue with bruises," said Wright later. "A lesser person would have given it away, but he stuck at it."

Punchard can look forward to a sixth Wood Cup final, for Wright this will be his debut appearance.

He really wanted it. Apart from a big swing, Wright reined in his attacking instincts to prevent an initial wobble turning into a full-scale collapse.

Once set and with the winning line in sight, he happily opened his shoulders to the delight of the home contingent.

The third of his four sixes got Crompton within touching distance of victory, while his fourth off Paddy Jones sealed the deal.

The hosts fought back superbly with the ball as Littleborough went from 39 without loss to 39 for four. Wright and Carl Taylor claimed two wickets apiece.

It needed a stand of 84 between Knight (46) and 17-year-old Wilman (56 not out) with his maiden half-century in first XI cricket to steady the visitors' ship against an attack steadfast in giving nothing away.

"It was a good wicket and 150 was never enough to be honest, it was more a 240 wicket," added Wright.

"We play Rochdale now, a good side, but we can beat anybody on our day. It's at Middleton - we've got a good record there - and everyone is looking forward to it already."