Danger signs for Werneth

CRICKET: WERNETH are in a perilous position in the Lake Garage CLL Premier Division after losing to Heywood at the Coppice yesterday.

Their misery was compounded when fellow relegation contenders Rochdale won at Clifton.

With two games remaining — the last of them at Rochdale — Werneth trail their basement rivals by five points.

Defeat yesterday was a heavy one, Werneth succumbing by six wickets. The hosts were bowled out for 137 despite skipper Matthew Taylor’s 49. Evergreen spinner Chris Kaye took five for 39.

Heywood reached their target for the loss of four wickets, the prolific Bobby Cross hitting an unbeaten 82.

Royton were also brushed aside at home, Norden winning by eight wickets. Professional Daniel Salpietro took four for 38 and Oliver Makin five for 39 as Royton were bowled out for 138. Paid man Pieter Malan was unbeaten on 36. Norden raced to victory with eight wickets to spare. Simon North top scored with an unbeaten 45, while Simon Harman hit 39.

This victory clinched them the title as main rivals Walsden lost by seven wickets at Littleborough.

Oldham registered a rare win in the Championship when they won by three wickets at Middleton, who batted first and made 196.

Crompton, who lost on Saturday, returned to form with a 101-run victory at Radcliffe.