Derby rivals on weather watch

CRICKET: IT’S local derby time, weather permitting, in the Lake Garage CLL on Sunday.

Providing too much rain does not fall tomorrow — and the forecast is not good — then the following day will see Crompton entertain Oldham and Werneth host Royton.

Crompton and Werneth have the most points among our four local clubs and, with home advantage, will see Sunday’s derbies as the perfect opportunity to put distance between themselves and their neighbours.

But these are early days and Oldham will be boosted by the arrival of overseas amateur Keelan Gossayn and Royton will have Luke Procter available again after he was on duty for Lancashire last weekend.

Oldham have been well beaten in their first two games, but a home fixture against Ashton tomorrow gives them the chance to get some points on the board, assuming the rain stays away.

Royton face the same scenario against Unsworth, but Werneth face a tough test at Walsden and Crompton travel to a Radcliffe side who have already flexed their muscles against Royton and Werneth this season.



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

SUNDAY: Ashton v Radcliffe; Clifton v Walsden; Crompton v Oldham; Middleton v Littleborough; Milnrow v Rochdale; Monton and Weaste v Norden; Unsworth v Heywood; Werneth v Royton. Matches start at 1.30pm.