Tolley out of Monton test

JOSH TOLLEY . . . on Minor Counties duty.

CRICKET: 

CROMPTON’S promotion challenge has stalled in recent matches and on Sunday they tackle one of their toughest fixtures - without professional Josh Tolley.

Opponents Monton and Weaste currently lead the charge for a place in the Premier Division next season.

But Tolley has been claimed by Cumberland for their Minor Counties Cricket Association Trophy quarter-final against Oxfordshire.

Tolley has been quite solid at the top of the Crompton batting order and will be missed against a Monton side spearheaded by one of the success stories of the CLL season so far.

South African professional Cristiaan Jonker has been rattling up the runs for Monton, including a superb 222 against Ashton.

The 27 year old has been chipping in with telling wickets too, as Monton have cemented their place at the top of the league’s second tier.

Second-placed Milnrow also have a highly-effective all-rounder as their paid man. Rudi Second, another South African, has proved especially consistent with the bat during the Ladyhouse’s progress to second place in the division, six points ahead of fourth-placed Crompton.

Crompton need to beat Milnrow at home tomorrow if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.

Following victories over Ashton and Werneth, Royton will need something drastic to happen if they are not to reach the last eight.

Werneth have lost both their matches, but could still qualify on run rate if they win comfortably at Ashton. and Royton defeat Oldham.

Victory for the latter would probably clinch qualification for Rashid Hussain’s team although tomorrow’s hosts and Ashton could deny them on run rate.