Crompton grateful for the Wright stuff

SIMON WRIGHT . . . five-wicket haul proved his value as a bowler for Crompton.

CRICKET: 

UNLESS there is a fall of major proportions, Crompton and Middleton will be playing top-flight cricket in next year’s Pennine League.

First and second in the Lake Garage Championship, the two promotion seekers have a large buffer over the chasing pack.

Crompton, 20 points ahead of third-placed Radcliffe, have lost only one game this season. Middleton aren’t quite so safe, but their 11-point advantage over Radcliffe is healthy. Title aspirations probably remain at Middleton despite the nine-point gap to the leaders.

The two leading teams fought out a superb tied match at Middleton on Saturday. The most influential figure in the game was Crompton skipper Simon Wright, who came to his side’s rescue when things were going against them.

Wright has been in good vatting form, but hasn’t bowled quite so much as previously. But with Middleton on target for victory and Grant Jones seemingly in command, he stepped up to remove the Middleton batsman for 77 and grab five wickets for 43 runs.

Crompton have an open date this weekend, but tough tests remain if his side is to win some silverware.

With professional Josh Tolley making valuable contributions in most matches, overseas amateur Denis Louis always capable of a telling score and several other amateurs joining in, Crompton has the fire power to clinch the title - but Middleton isn’t ready to throw in the towel.

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC