Derby rivals are best of enemies

Werneth are in second place going into this weekend’s CLL fixtures. From left to right, back row: Gareth Lees, John Slater, Mark Dronsfield, Matt Taylor, Jeff Rogerson, Pierre Joubert (professional). Front: Tokeer Tariq, Joe Taylor, Andy Walker (captain), Alan Durose, Michael Wilson.

DERBY games between Werneth and Oldham are usually feisty affairs, but Sunday’s showdown promises to be played in an atmosphere of mutual goodwill.

Oldham’s well-documented problems during the build-up to the Lake Garage CLL season have been overcome, but it is clear that they are nowhere near as strong as last season when they finished runners-up to Heywood.

At one stage, Oldham looked as though they would be unable to field a team in the league this summer, but many have rallied to the cause and their four matches have produced one win and some respectable displays.

Despite the rivalry which exists between the two clubs, Werneth have been supportive of Oldham and captain Andy Walker is looking forward to Sunday’s derby at the Coppice with a determination to win but in hope of a competitive match.

Werneth had a difficult 2008 campaign in which they finished third from bottom of the CLL.

But the return from Moorside of Alan Durose and the influence of stand-in professional Pierre Joubert have helped them to second to Norden in the current standings after three wins in four matches.

Said Walker: “It’s our big derby of the season and it’s one we always look forward to.

“We will be going into it with some confidence, but we are all quite pleased that Oldham have been putting in some good performances in a similar fashion to us last year.

“This is a game we want to win and it’s one we are by no means taking lightly.”

Walker has been delighted with the impact made by Joubert, who has already made three telling contributions with the bat and taken some vital wickets, as well as providing invaluable advice to his team-mates.

“He makes sure we are completely switched on and focused on what we are trying to achieve,” said Walker.

While Joubert and Durose have been performing well, Walker is also delighted with the efforts of others in the team, who have stepped up to the mark when needed.

He said: “Not everybody has had a full game, but when they have been asked to they have performed which is down to them having a good attitude in training.”

Youngsters such as Matthew and Joe Taylor and Michael Wilson were mentioned by the skipper, while another player whose efforts have not gone unnoticed is Mark Dronsfield.

The all-rounder has carved a niche for himself in the middle of the batting order and has taken some vital wickets when called upon.

Werneth warm up for Sunday’s game with a trip to Rochdale tomorrow, while Royton are also on their travels after registering their first win at Ashton last Saturday.

Barry Woodward’s men will be aiming to repeat last season’s win at Heywood, while Sunday sees Royton entertain Monton and Weaste, widely regarded as one of the favourites for the title.

Oldham warm up for Sunday’s derby with a home game against a Clifton side without a point in four matches.

And Crompton, who were out of sorts last weekend, will be hoping to bounce back with positive results at home to Unsworth tomorrow and at Milnrow on Sunday.

TOMORROW: Ashton v Walsden; Crompton v Unsworth; Heywood v Royton; Littleborough v Norden; Monton and Weaste v Middleton; Oldham v Clifton; Radcliffe v Milnrow; Rochdale v Werneth.

SUNDAY: Clifton v Ashton; Middleton v Heywood; Milnrow v Crompton; Norden v Rochdale; Royton v Monton and Weaste; Unsworth v Radcliffe; Walsden v Littleborough; Werneth v Oldham.

Matches start at 1.45pm