Werneth suffer double trouble

Photo: Picture by CHRIS SUNDERLAND

GOTCHA! Werneth spinner celebrates after trapping Norden professional Michael price leg before wicket.

WERNETH'S hopes of securing a top-five finish and a place in next year's LCB Cup were dealt a severe blow when they lost both their Lake Garage CLL matches at the weekend.

Their first loss, at home to leaders Norden, was not totally unexpected. But defeat at Ashton yesterday was a bitter setback even allowing for the home side's improved form of late.

Werneth pushed Norden hard at the Coppice, restricting them to 146 for eight as Joe Taylor maintained his fine bowling form with four for 34.

But Norden showed why they are title favourites by tying down Werneth and holding them to 129 for nine.

Worse was to follow for Norden at Rayner Lane 24 hours later.

The hosts were bowled out for 114 on a turning wicket as Alan Durose picked up six for 33.

But fellow spinner Mohammed Asif's five for 17 proved to be the match-winning contribution as Werneth were skittled for a hugely-disappointing 86.


ROYTON have been in the news for the last fortnight, but it was for all the right reasons on Saturday as they defeated Middleton by 31 runs at the Paddock.

Professional Luke Procter hit 105 in Royton's 203 for eight and new skipper John Punchard collected five for 65 as the visitors were dismissed for 172.

But any pretensions of a second victory of the weekend at Norden were shattered by the Woodhouse Lane side despite a sterling bowling performance by Punchard.

The 53-year-old took eight for 45 as Norden were bowled out for 184, Josh Poole hitting 44 and Harvey Fitton 31.

But Royton could scramble only 46 in reply as paid man Michael Price (five for nine) and Chris Humphries (five for 32) ran amok.

There was double disappointment for CROMPTON and OLDHAM.

The former were demolished by 10 wickets at Rochdale on Saturday and suffered a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Clifton yesterday.

And Oldham were also off colour, losing by a single wicket at Unsworth on Saturday before slumping to a 71-runs defeat at home to Milnrow yesterday.

On the title front, Norden are seven points clear following Rochdale's defeat at Monton and Weaste yesterday.