Wheel of fortune turns full circle for derby duo

Crompton CC, from left to right, back: Dane Fletcher, Danny Taylor, Ryan Mayes, Aqib Zulfiqar, Simon Wright, Steven Wright. Front: Majid Khan, Chris Boschoff, Glen Dawson, Mohammad Zaman Khan, Tasawar Shah.

TWO teams who have undergone complete role reversals clash in what should be a fascinating derby in the Lake Garage CLL tomorrow.

Crompton enjoyed a fine 2008 campaign, finishing fourth after challenging for the title for much of the summer.

Werneth, on the other hand, went through a transitional season and it was only a couple of late victories which allowed them to climb off the bottom and finish above Ashton and Middleton.

But as the teams prepare for tomorrow’s game at Glebe Street, Werneth are joint top of the table with Middleton and Norden, while Crompton are sharing the bottom spot with Oldham and Radcliffe.

Of course, these are only the early exchanges in a long season, but Werneth can feel mighty pleased with their efforts which have netted them 25 points from six fixtures.

Andy Walker’s side are well-balanced, boast an effective professional in Pierre Joubert and are playing with confidence.

The Coppice outfit readily brushed aside Rochdale at Redbrook last Saturday and followed that success up with a cosy victory over Oldham at home the following day.

Joubert’s unbeaten 71 was vital to their cause and the South African will be keen to continue in the same vein before he returns home after three more matches as stand-in for fellow countryman Roelof van der Merwe.

Crompton have just one victory over Ashton to show for their efforts, but they ought to have beaten Milnrow at Ladyhouse on Sunday so another victory should be just around the corner.

Professional Mohammed Zaman Khan is starting to score runs with regularity, but it’s fair to say the majority of his team-mates have yet to shine with the bat and that must be remedied if Crompton are to trouble Werneth tomorrow.

Oldham welcome back Paul Jewitt for their home game against high-flying Middleton.

The professional missed the Werneth match with an arm injury, but is down to play against a team who have been revitalised this season following the arrival of Australian professional Ken Skewes.

The 24-year-old right-hand batsman has been scoring plenty of runs, while his left-arm fast-medium bowling has proved a handful for opposition batsmen.

He represents a real threat to Oldham, who continue to play with a smile on their faces despite the loss of several key players.

Royton have not enjoyed the greatest of starts, but a trip to a struggling Rochdale outfit gives them hope of a welcome victory.

Barry Woodward’s men were soundly beaten by Monton and Weaste last Sunday, but there was no disgrace in that defeat as many CLL followers consider Monton favourites for the title.


OLDHAM and Crompton are in action in the LCB Cup on Sunday (2pm).
Crompton entertain Bolton League side Egerton, while Oldham host Manchester Association team Swinton Moorside.