Cross produces in Heywood win

Photo: Scott McHugh

ON THE MONEY: Heywood bowler Kate Cross took three wickets on her debut for the first team against Clifton.

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CRICKET: IT proved a red letter day for 23-year-old Kate Cross yesterday as the first woman ever to play in a Central Lancashire League first XI game took three wickets helping Heywood to victory against Clifton.

The Lancashire and England star was cleared by the CLL management committee to turn out for the Crimble outfit and didn’t disappoint, with an excellent three for 19. She helped to restrict Clifton to 121 for eight from 50 overs. In reply Heywood stormed to a comfortable eight-wicket victory - with Kate’s brother Bobby hitting 75 in a 123-for-two response.

Royton got themselves off to a solid start in the top flight, beating hosts Rochdale by 10 runs. Carl Taylor took four wickets for 71 in Rochdale’s reply of 211 for nine after Royton had scored 221 for nine from their 50 overs.

Elsewhere in the Premiership there were big wins for Norden against Monton and Waste, and Walsden, who thumped Unsworth by 163 runs. Heyside made a dream start to life in the CLL as they won their Championship opener against local rivals Werneth by five wickets.

Oldham were beaten by five wickets in their opening-day home clash against Radcliffe. The hosts were bowled out for 146 after taking first knock, before Radcliffe replied with 147 for five.

twitter: @Smedders1966