Mel still going strong

CRICKET: OLDHAM began the season with high hopes, so it was disappointing that they were readily brushed aside by Rochdale.

The Pollards men continue to await the arrival from South Africa of overseas amateur Keelan Gossayn, while new professional Mohammad Hanif is still finding his feet in the CLL.

Whatever Mel Whittle is putting in his tea is clearly working as the evergreen bowler did his bit for the over 60s on Sunday by bowling a full 25-over stint and taking six for 96.

Whittle has a new opening partner in Craig Joy, who has handed over the wicketkeeping gloves to Dane Fletcher and has turned his hand to bowling.

He is said to be quite nippy, too, and did enough against Rochdale to suggest he will prove a valuable addition to the Pollards attack.

As for the batting, some loose shots accounted for the cheap loss of wickets.

There is enough talent in the line-up to suggest that Oldham will flourish granted some decent tracks and skipper Chris McDonnell will be keen to set an example.