Oldham on high

LIFTED by their second victory of the season, Oldham hope to continue their Lake Garage CLL revival tomorrow.

But matches don’t come much tougher than against Littleborough, who will arrive at The Pollards boasting a two-point lead over Walsden at the top of the table.

Oldham’s seven-wicket defeat of Ashton last Saturday, their first since an opening-day victory over Radcliffe, provided the morale boost the team sorely needed.

The return of Mel Whittle as professional certainly helped, but skipper Chris McDonnell recognises tomorrow’s task is a much tougher assignment for his team.

He said: “Everyone was over the moon after beating Ashton. The fielding and bowling was great, but we face a tough game against the league leaders and know we have to carry on that form,” he said.

Oldham are hoping to sign one or two players during the next week, but are awaiting the completion of the necessary paperwork.

They will have to make do with their current resources for a game against a Littleborough team who will be smarting after being soundly beaten by Heywood last Saturday.

ROYTON aim to continue their resurgence when they entertain Milnrow.

The visitors enjoyed league and cup victories over Norden last weekend and are in fine fettle.

Royton are also in top form, particularly professional Luke Procter whose unbeaten 108 guided the Paddock side to Wood Cup success against Middleton on Sunday.

Procter has pledged any collections he receives to the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice Appeal and, in his current mood, that worthy cause’s fund is likely to be bolstered in the weeks to come.

WERNETH suffered disappointing defeats at Clifton and at home to Heywood last weekend, so tomorrow’s match against fellow title contenders Walsden at The Coppice is one they need to win in order to get their season back on track.

Werneth will be looking for stand-in professional Ryan Broad to make his mark.

The 26-year-old Queenslander, the paid man for Bacup in the Lancashire League, is a right-hand opening batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler.

CROMPTON’s form has been in and out so far this season and a trip to Monton and Weaste is a tough mission.

Tonight sees the start of the John Willie Lees Twenty 20 competition when all four of our local teams will be in action.

TONIGHT (start 6.15pm): Monton and Weaste v Clifton, Radcliffe v Unsworth, Heywood v Norden, Rochdale v Middleton, Oldham v Werneth, Royton v Ashton, Littleborough v Milnrow, Walsden v Crompton.

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