Procter, Durose boost cup hopes

Royton batsman Ryan Carruthers is caught and bowled by Werneth's Matthew Taylor

CRICKET: ROYTON have their LCB Cup destiny in their own hands after yesterday’s derby victory at home to Werneth.

In the top five of the Lake Garage CLL with two fixtures remaining, Alan Durose’s men need victories in those games to be certain of a place in the prestigious competition next season.

And they are certainly one of the league’s in-form teams, a point they proved with their defeat of Werneth at the Paddock.

Taking first guard, they racked up 230 for seven declared thanks to 100 from professional Luke Procter and 80 from skipper Alan Durose. Matthew Taylor took four for 62 and Joe Taylor three for 63.

Following afternoon rain, Werneth were set a new target of 134 off 22 overs, but they could manage only 125 for five as the home side won by nine runs. Joe Taylor was top scorer with 30.

The day’s other derby succumbed to the elements, Oldham and Crompton sharing the points at the Pollards after the visitors had been restricted to 120 for eight.

Oldham would have fancied their chances of chasing down such a small target, but rain had the final say.

Unsworth dropped out of the top five – making way for Royton – when they lost at Clifton.

John Wiggans made 73 as Unsworth were dismissed for 161 and Clifton reached their revised target of 149 in good style, Lee Dorsey hitting 64 in a total of 153 for eight.