Parry woe sums it up for Crompton

CRICKET:  

WHEN things aren’t going for you, cricket can be a cruel game - ask Crompton skipper Simon Wright

With a side containing a solid professional and several talented and experienced all-rounders, Crompton were expected to be among the frontrunners for promotion from the Championship.

And while that might become the case, with Crompton in fifth place, 17 points behind leaders Monton and Weaste, momentum is not with the Glebe Street side.

Crompton were disappointed to be swept away by Monton on Sunday as circumstances conspired against them.

Professional Josh Tolley missed the game as he was obligated to play for Cumberland in a Minor Counties Cup quarter-final. His replacement, England Twenty20 player and Lancashire star Stephen Parry, looked to be a great choice, but it just wasn’t his day.

The player made only four runs as his side was bowled out for 185.

When it came time to bowl, a downpour left the Monton pitch sodden - and spinner Parry was unable to grip the ball.

He bowled only two overs, for 14 runs, as Monton – and professional Cristiaan Jonker, in particular – took a liking to the opposition attack and raced to a reduced target of 164 for the loss of five wickets.

At least Crompton had the consolation last weekend of booking a place in the quarter-finals of the JW Lees Bitter Twenty20 Tom Hardman Twenty20 Competition.

An 11-run victory over Milnrow at Glebe Street secured them a last-eight fixture at Norden on Friday, July 4.

Milnrow are the visitors again in the league on Saturday, when Tolley returns, and this is a must-win match for Crompton if they are to launch a concerted attack on a promotion place. Defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb.



SAM Rigby, the 18-year-old nephew of Crompton stalwart Glenn, made his first century in senior cricket when he scored 126 for the seconds in a 241-run victory over Monton and Weaste at Glebe Street.

Ably supported by Steve Smith (80), Rigby starred in a Crompton innings of 311, Monton replying with a paltry 70 all out.