Royton must rise to the challenge

DALE HIGHTON . . . facing his former club.

CRICKET:

ROYTON will need to produce a season’s-best performance if they are to bounce back to form in the Lake Garage CLL tomorrow.

The Paddock outfit travel to Redbrook to take on a Rochdale side which eased to the top of the table last Saturday when they defeated Heywood by six wickets at Crimble.

Rochdale are two points clear of Norden – who were humbled by Oldham six days ago – with Milnrow in third and Littleborough fourth.

And its the latter team which will be in the sights of rejuvenated Oldham tomorrow.

Inspired by Craig Joy’s six-hitting heroics, Chris McDonnell’s side moved above Crompton in the table thanks to their coupon-busting win at Woodhouse Lane.

If they are to make it two wins in a row, Oldham must find a way to dislodge Boro professional Clinton Perren cheaply, a feat few clubs have managed this season.

WERNETH are the highest-placed local club, having jumped above Royton, following their comfortable defeat of Unsworth last weekend.

Andy Walker’s men go to high-flying Milnrow tomorrow and although this looks a stiff task, they will be encouraged by their opponents’ eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Clifton last weekend.

In-form spinner Dale Highton will be keen to make an impact against his former club CROMPTON, when Carl Taylor’s men visit Middleton.

The Towncroft wicket tends to produce plenty of runs, so visiting professional Matt Needham will be keen to cash in.


TWENTY20 action continues tonight when the local highlight is the derby between Royton and Werneth at the Paddock.

TONIGHT (Twenty20, 6.15pm): Clifton v Monton and Weaste; Unsworth v Radcliffe; Middleton v Rochdale; Norden v Heywood; Oldham v Ashton; Royton v Werneth; Littleborough v Crompton; Walsden v Milnrow.

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

SUNDAY (1.30pm): CLL v Ribblesdale League at Middleton; CLL Colts v Manchester Association at Wythenshawe.