Photo-finish despair

CRICKET: WERNETH and Royton suffered Sunday heartbreak in the Lake Garage CLL as both came within a whisker of victory only to have it snatched away from them.

Werneth were the victims of the Paul Green show at the Coppice, the visiting professional almost single-handedly guiding Monton and Weaste to a one-wicket victory.

After taking four for 25 in Werneth's 213 all out, Green carried his bat for a superb 134 as Monton reached their target for the loss of nine wickets.

That was tough on a Werneth side who showed much better all-round qualities, Alan Durose scoring 51 and taking three for 96, overseas amateur Chris Erasmus impressing with a knock of 61 and the rapidly-improving Matt Taylor collecting four wickets for 26.

Royton came within an ace of beating a Radcliffe side who, having secured their first win in 19 league and cup games against Rochdale the previous day, made it back-to back successes at the Paddock.

Taking first guard, Radcliffe made 187 for nine thanks to 34 from Mark Robinson and 31 from Kaiser Malik. Royton skipper John Punchard continued his excellent bowling form with six for 35.

That target looked to be within Royton's reach but, despite a fine 99 from professional Luke Procter, the home side were bowled out three runs short of Radcliffe's total as Basit Muntaza picked up four for 28 and paid man Anwar Ul-Haq four for 50.

Oldham bounced back to form with a six-wickets victory at Walsden, who were bowled out for 157. Home professional Duminda Perera hit 79 and opposite number Mohammed Hanif collected four for 59.

And the runs were shared about as Oldham cruised to 158 for four in reply.

Crompton were brushed aside by Heywood at Crimble.

Professional Rajat Bhatia smashed 127 and young Ross Zelem 46 in Heywood's 259 for five, Jack Ryder picking up three wickets for 69 runs.

Crompton were dismissed for just 104 as spinner Chris Kaye added to his impressive career haul with five for 35.



WERNETH defeated Crozzmpton by six wickets in Saturday's derby at Glebe Street.

Professional Darren Shadford took four for 17 as Crompton were skittled for 81, then Matt Taylor hit an unbeaten 37 as the visitors knocked off the runs for the loss of four wickets. Home captain Carl Taylor offered resistance with three for 29.

Royton lost by six runs at Ashton in a rain-affected match.

Overseas amateur Donovan Lovell hit 62 and paid man Imran Jamiel 41 as the hosts racked up 252 for eight off their 50 overs.

Royton's reply looked to be going nowhere when they staggered to 113 for six, but a rain break resulted in a reduced target of 229 off 44 overs.

And Simon Webb (47) and Liam Brown (41) almost pulled it off for Royton, who fell agonisingly short of an unlikely victory on 223 for eight. Earlier, Mark Woodward had hit 57.

Oldham lost by six wickets to Heywood at the Pollards, despite Abid Fasil's knock of 61 in their total of 149 all out. Professional Rajat Bhatia took three for 41 and Rob Slawson three for 51 for Heywood.

Mel Whittle led a fightback by Oldham, but despite his four for 48 the visitors reached 151 for four thanks to Bobby Cross's 74 and Bhatia's unbeaten 55.


Full results: see tonight’s Oldham Chronicle or read the Chron in full online (subscription required). Click the E-chron link.