Royton back in business

OLDHAM CC first X1, from left to right, back row: Craig Joy, Stephen Briggs,Rod Moran, Ian Chadwick, Nick Maree (overseas amateur), Neil Inkpen. Front: Paul Jewitt (professional), Imran Aslam, Chris McDonnell (captain), Paul Thompson, Abid Fazil.

CLL cricket

ROYTON are hoping Saturday’s welcome victory over Rochdale will prove the catalyst for a sustained spell of success in the Lake Garage CLL.

Their three-wicket win at Redbrook was masterminded by young professional Luke Procter, who took five wickets and hit an unbeaten 61.

It was the Paddock club’s second success in seven matches this season and lifted them out of the bottom three and into a position of mid-table respectability.

The objective now is to kick on, starting this weekend with a home derby against Crompton and a trip to title hopefuls Monton and Weaste.

Skipper Barry Woodward said: “Saturday’s win put us back on track and Luke’s confidence is obviously restored.

“His bowling performance helped his batting and while we only got over the line with a couple of balls to spare, we always looked like getting there after young Matt Hodson’s knock got us in front of the run rate.

“We have been rotating a few of the young players from the second team, but we will be at full strength this weekend.”

Saturday’s game should provide much banter with Woodward pitched against his Lancashire over-50s team-mate Alan Whiston.

“He has told me he will be behind the stumps for Crompton so that’s something to look forward to,” said Woodward.

Whiston’s opposite number will be Australian Ryan Carters, who has been earning rave reviews for his wicket-keeping during his short time as Royton’s overseas amateur.

Runs have been hard to come by, however, but Woodward is confident the young Aussie will make his mark.

“Ryan is finding it difficult to adjust to the tracks over here, but when the wickets do firm up I’m sure he will be all right.”

John Punchard, who is taking wickets and scoring runs has made “a massive difference” to the Royton side, said Woodward, and it is the clash against Punchard’s former club Middleton in the John Willie Lees Wood Cup on Sunday week which is at the forefront of the skipper’s mind.

He said: “It’s a big game and Middleton are doing well, but their side is virtually the same as last season apart from the pro (Ken Skewes).

“We would really like to have a good cup run this year.”


OLDHAM produced a devastating bowling display to dismiss Middleton for 24 in the CLL under-18s league.

After making a modest 76 for seven from their allotted overs at The Pollards, Oldham could hardly have envisaged a 52-run victory.

David Rawlinson claimed five wickets for 10, while Chris Taylor took five without conceding a run.

Royton lost by six wickets to Milnrow at The Paddock.

Royton hit 115 for five and Milnrow made 116 for four in reply.

Other details: Heywood 76-2, Littleborough 74-7; Rochdale v Bury, Unsworth v Walsden, Werneth v Clifton – all abandoned because of rain.