Royton roar to title glory

Royton and Saddleworth going head to head for title

ROYTON were crowned champions of the Oldham Cricket Development Group under-11s Indoor Cricket League after a 31-run victory over Saddleworth.

The eagerly-awaited title decider, played at Oldham Sports Centre, featured the winners of groups ‘A’ and ‘B’.

Saddleworth took first knock and, after an opening stand of 24 by James Howard and William Wilson, the Well-i-Hole outfit looked to be on course to post a formidable total.

But Royton captain Adam Gray claimed a wicket and Harry Greaves also got in on the act to check Saddleworth’s progress.

Final pair Tom Jowle and Tom Gallagher struggled to score freely against some tight bowling from Gray, William Sandiford-Mitchell and Patrick Casey as Saddleworth finished their allocation on 249 for three.

Royton went about chasing their target in aggressive fashion as Aaron Tesz (26) and Jack Snape (13) scored 39 in the first three overs.

William Wright made the breakthrough when he got the wicket of Gray and just 16 runs came from the middle three overs, but Royton were already ahead with the last pair at the crease.

A wicket for Jowle gave Saddleworth hope, but Greaves (four) and Patrick Casey (12) held firm to guide Royton to 280 for two and title glory.

The third place play-off between Shaw and Uppermill, who were the runners-up in their respective groups, ended in a tie.

Shaw made a challenging 275 for two. Jacob Clarke top scored with 25, while wickets fell to Tom Bainbridge and Alex Sheard.

Some tight bowling left Uppermill with it all to do and, with three overs remaining, they still required 47 for victory.

But Jake Manton (26) and Lewis Barlow (20) rose to the challenge and scrambled two runs from the last ball to ensure honours were shared.