Dominant Oldham secure second

OLDHAM capped a superb Lake Garage CLL campaign with a seven-wicket demolition of Radcliffe yesterday.

Mel Whittle's men went into the final fixture of the season in second place, six points behind champions Heywood and knowing that victory would secure the runners-up spot.

And win they did, in some style, too, the skipper leading the way with a fine spell of bowling which netted him six wickets for 47 as Radcliffe were skittled for only 95 despite professional Usman Tariq's 51.

Oldham were always in command during their reply, easing past the home side's total for the loss of three wickets.

Hopes that another local side, Crompton, could finish in third place were dashed when the Glebe Street men lost by eight wickets at home to Littleborough.

Taking first guard, Crompton were dismissed for just 104, skipper Simon Wright making the only meaningful contribution with 41 and Phil Deakin taking three for 29.

Littleborough then cantered to victory with Mark Forden helping himself to a match-clinching 58.

Norden secured third place at Middleton yesterday thanks to an incredible batting performance from stand-in professional Ryan Hinds.

The former Rochdale paid man filled the breach left by Jean Symes, who returned to South Africa recently.

And Hinds made a devastating contribution, smashing 223 in a Norden score of 336 for seven.

The West Indian blasted 14 sixes and 17 fours during his 156-ball stay at the crease. His second 100 came up off only 32 balls and in one over from spinner Dale Highton he hit 32 thanks to five sixes and a two.

Despite his mauling at the hands of Hinds, former Crompton bowler Highton returned commendable figures of four for 117.

In reply, Middleton were bowled out for 180, Jimmy Ryan hitting 56, Scott Stanworth 44 and Oliver Makin taking seven for 42.

Werneth ended the season on a positive note, beating Clifton by seven wickets and lifting themselves off the bottom, above Middleton and Ashton.

Mark Dronsfield collected six for 35 as Clifton were bowled out for 112, a total well within Werneth's compass thanks to professional Loku's 46 and Matthew Taylor's unbeaten 40.

Royton's game at Unsworth was abandoned without a ball being bowled, the pitch too wet for play.

Scores are —

Crompton 104 (Si Wright 41, Deakin 3-29), Littleborough 105-2 (Forden 58); Middleton 180 (Ryan 56, Stanworth 44, Makin 7-42), Norden 336-7 (Hinds 223, Highton 4-117); Monton and Weaste 173-8 (Nash 55, Zaman 4-53, O'Connor 3-34), Ashton 171 (Selby 32, Duxbury 4-32); Radcliffe 95 (Tariq 51, Whittle 6-47), Oldham 97-3; Walsden 144 (Rawlinson 40, Avery 4-25), Rochdale 149 (N Barker 5-26, Purser 4-45); Werneth 114-3 (Loku 46, Taylor 40 n.o.), Clifton 112 (M Dronsfield 6-35); Unsworth v Royton, Milnrow v Heywood - no play.