Local sides bow out

ROYTON and Werneth’s dreams of John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition glory were blown out of the water on Friday night.

Royton lost by eight wickets at an Adil Nisar-inspired Clifton, while Werneth failed to do themselves justice at Heywood, who romped to a nine-wickets victory.

All looked to be going well for Royton when Luke Procter smashed an unbeaten 88 in a highly-respectable 163 for eight, Alex Rodzoch taking four for 22.

But professional Nisar’s unbeaten 75 and Glen Bullock’s undefeated 36 steered Clifton to a comfortable victory.

Werneth were outgunned by a Heywood side who restricted them to 65 for nine after a clatter of early wickets.

Alan Durose (20) was the only batsman to reach double figures, while Tom Hardman took four for 19.

With such a meagre total to defend, Werneth’s bowlers had little chance.

Heywood cruised to victory in 12.3 overs for the loss of only one wicket, Hardman hitting 24 and Royce Blight (19) and Danny Pawson (18) being undefeated.