Crompton’s chance to turn the tide in basement battle

CRICKET: CROMPTON have been on the receiving end of some heavy defeats recently, but tomorrow’s Lake Garage CLL trip to Ashton gives them hope of a change in fortune.

Belted by Middleton stand-in professional Michael Smith (193 not out) and Littleborough paid man Clinton Perren (119 not out) last weekend, the Glebe Street outfit are in need of some respite.

And a trip to the CLL’s bottom club could be just the ticket.

If second-from-bottom Crompton can win this match they will open a gap of at least eight points between themselves and Ashton.

No-one wants to claim the wooden spoon and although it is far too early to be writing off clubs with the season yet to reach its halfway stage, Crompton have always known that the current campaign would be one of survival rather than success.

Oldham were also floored by a Perren century last weekend, so the visit of mid-table Radcliffe tomorrow should enable them to be much more competitive.

And Royton will also be looking to bounce back from defeat at leaders Rochdale when they travel to Heywood.

Werneth have been much brighter of late and will be aiming for a third victory on the bounce at Clifton.

Darren Shadford, whose unbeaten 112 at Milnrow paved the way for victory last weekend, will be hoping to continue in similar vein at Crimble.

No local teams are in action in the quarter-finals of the John Willie Lees Wood Cup on Sunday.



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



SUNDAY (Wood Cup): Unsworth v Rochdale; Milnrow v Middleton; Littleborough v Clifton; Walsden v Heywood.