Punchard’s big day

JOHN PUNCHARD

WITH money tight, but running costs becoming ever more expensive, a decent campaign in the John Willie Lees Wood Cup is hugely important to Lake Garage CLL clubs.

A good cup run helps to boost the coffers so our four local sides will need little motivating when they take on tough opposition in the first round on Sunday.

Werneth have a stiff task against competition specialists Heywood, but arguably the most eagerly-awaited match will take place at the Paddock, where Royton entertain Middleton.

This clash sees veteran all-rounder John Punchard pitched against his former club so there is likely to be plenty of banter between the two teams.

Royton, treading water just below halfway in the league, have made no secret of their desire for a decent cup run.

But in fifth-placed Middleton, they face a well-balanced team whose spearhead is Aussie all-rounder Ken Skewes.

Skewes has been making plenty of runs, but his left-arm seam bowling has also been proving a handful for opposition batsmen.

Crompton have a home tie against Walsden and Glen Dawson’s men must find dramatic improvement if they are to avoid a first-round exit.

The two teams met in the league at Glebe Street last Sunday when Walsden were convincing winners by eight wickets.

Oldham’s problems continue to mount, their latest being the loss of professional Paul Jewitt (retired) and batsman Ian Chadwick (injured), but they will be motivated for their trip to Clifton.

Oldham begin their weekend programme with a league match at Ashton tomorrow, while Crompton entertain Rochdale and Royton go to Unsworth.

TOMORROW (League, 1.45pm): Ashton v Oldham, Clifton v Werneth, Crompton v Rochdale, Littleborough v Heywood, Milnrow v Norden, Radcliffe v Monton and Weaste, Unsworth v Royton, Walsden v Middleton.

SUNDAY (Wood Cup, 1.30pm): Werneth v Heywood; Monton and Weaste v Ashton; Clifton v Oldham; Royton v Middleton; Crompton v Walsden; Milnrow v Norden; Littleborough v Rochdale; Radcliffe v Unsworth.


Rain ruined the Lake Garage CLL’s two annual matches against the Lancashire League.

The senior side bowled out the Lancashire League for 171 at Church BC and were 12 for two in reply when the heavens opened.

Meanwhile, the under-18 team were 86 for three in reply to their opponents’ 129 all out at Enfield CC when the weather had the final say. Royton’s Matthew Taylor scored 26.