Crompton win first title since 1954

GOLDEN OLDIE . . . the remarkable Mel Whittle has men round the bat as Crompton pressurise Werneth before the intervention of rain. Picture by Tim Bradley.

CROMPTON'S cricketers celebrated in style last night after clinching the Lake Garage CLL Championship title.

Though yesterday's derby match against Werneth at the Coppice was abandoned because of rain with the hosts on 136 for seven, a similar scenario at Radcliffe – where second-placed Middleton were in action – meant Crompton could not be caught in the title race despite there being three weekends of the season remaining.

Skipper Simon Wright said after yesterday’s game: "It's the first league title the club has won since 1954.

"There are a lot of lads here, including myself, who are Crompton through and through so it means a lot.

"To be honest, at the start of the season, I never thought we would be winning the league, though I did expect us to be competitive.

"Everyone has contributed so in that respect it has been a complete team performance.

"Our pro Josh Tolley has had a great season at the top of the order, but when he has failed there have usually been a couple of lads who have made half centuries.

"And what can you say about Mel Whittle? To bowl like he has at the age of 68 is incredible. I don't know how he does it."

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC