Local rivals on collision course

ROYTON and Werneth will be hoping to set up a derby showdown when they take part in the semi-finals of the John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition tonight (6.15).

Both won their quarter-finals by 40 runs, Royton overcoming Littleborough and Werneth defeating Crompton.

Tonight’s games represent different tests for the pair, particularly Werneth, who must adapt their play to the wide expanses of Heywood’s Crimble ground.

New professional Humayun Farhat, a shot-a-ball entertainer who made 99 against Crompton, will be a key figure for Werneth, who would welcome a showpiece final and the financial gains which go with it.

The same can be said of Royton for whom professional Luke Procter and in-form overseas amateur Ryan Carters will be pivotal players in their semi-final at Clifton.

TOMORROW’S league programme sees Oldham and Royton in action against two of the sides challenging for the title.

OLDHAM entertain leaders Heywood only a few weeks after succumbing to the reigning champions by eight wickets at Crimble.

With four players featuring high in the batting averages, it is clear where Oldham’s strength lies.

Somehow they must find a way to provide a bigger threat with the ball, particularly against a Heywood side boasting dangerous batsmen such as Bobby Cross, Royce Blight, Tom Hardman and professional Brendan Taylor.

Second-placed Norden entertain a ROYTON team who had little difficulty in seeing off bottom club Radcliffe last weekend.

The aforementioned Carters hit an unbeaten 79 in that game and the Aussie is clearly getting to grips with English wickets.

CROMPTON defeated Werneth at the Coppice last weekend and will expect to dispose of a poor Radcliffe outfit at the Racecourse tomorrow.

And WERNETH will also have high hopes of bouncing back to form with a home victory over Middleton.

TONIGHT (John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition semi-finals, 6.15 start): Clifton v Royton; Heywood v Werneth.

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