Werneth handed tough tie

WERNETH have been handed a formidable first-round draw in the CLL John Willie Lees Wood Cup after being paired with Heywood.

The Crimble club, which has appeared in the final for each of the last six seasons, visit The Coppice on Sunday, May 31.

Royton and Crompton also have home ties against Middleton and Walsden respectively.

And the only local club which has to hit the road is Oldham who have been drawn away to play at Clifton.

Wood Cup holders Monton & Weaste begin their defence at home Ashton.

First round (May 31): Werneth v Heywood, Monton & Weaste v Ashton, Clifton v Oldham, Royton v Middleton, Crompton v Walsden, Milnrow v Norden, Littleborough v Rochdale, Radcliffe v Unsworth.

Second round (June 21): Milnrow/Norden v Radcliffe/Unsworth; Littleborough/Rochdale v Werneth/Heywood; Monton & Weaste/Ashton v Royton/Middleton; Crompton/Walsden v Clifton.

Semi-finals (July 5): Crompton/Walsden/Clifton/Oldham v Littleborough/Rochdale/Werneth/Heywood; Monton & Weaste/Ashton/Royton/Middleton v Milnrow/Norden/Radcliffe/Unsworth.

Final (August 2).


The Burton Cup for second teams will run complementary to the Wood Cup with the venues reversed. That final will be on Sunday, August 9.