Crompton seek derby-day tonic

DANGER MAN . . . Werneth all-rounder Alan Durose could pose problems for Oldham at the Pollards on Sunday.

CRICKET:

MOST of the Oldham public will be glued to their television sets on Sunday for the World Cup clash between old rivals England and Germany.

But for staunch followers of local cricket, the venues to attend are Glebe Street and the Pollards.

The former ground hosts one of two significant derby matches in Crompton against Royton.

The loss of key players before a ball was bowled always threatened to derail Crompton’s season and, despite a promising start in which professional Matt Needham performed with distinction, they have struggled.

Carl Taylor’s side are joint bottom with Ashton, but they can rectify that situation with victory over a Royton outfit prone to fluctuations in form.

With so many youngsters in their side, that is hardly surprising, but Taylor will be hoping that home advantage and the odd slice of luck can tip the scales Crompton’s way.

The mood at the Pollards is likely to be subdued following the midweek bombshell that Oldham may be deducted 15 points as a result of failing to register overseas amateur Keelan Gossayn until last weekend.

Oldham are to appeal against the CLL’s decision, but the rules are against them and if the Management Committee's decision is upheld, Chris McDonnell’s side will find themselves marooned at the bottom of the table.

Playing your best cricket under such circumstances can’t be easy, but at least the visit of local rivals Werneth should make for a lively encounter.

Our four local sides warm up for Sunday’s derby games with fixtures tomorrow.

Werneth should take care of Ashton at the Coppice, but Royton face formidable opponents in Littleborough at the Paddock, Oldham go to league leaders Rochdale and Crompton are likely to find it tough away to Wood Cup semi-finalists Walsden.



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



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