Durose, Whittle in derby heroics

CRICKET: ALAN Durose and Mel Whittle played starring roles as Werneth and Oldham secured Lake Garage CLL derby victories yesterday.

Durose took three for 22 and hit an unbeaten 52 for Werneth, who overcame Royton by eight wickets at the Paddock.

And Whittle, three games away from retirement from cricket, collected seven for 40 from 20 overs in Oldham’s 93-runs victory over Crompton at the Pollards.

Royton's season has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks and things got no better for them after they took first guard yesterday.

They were bowled out for only 73 as Durose, Mark Dronsfield (three for 15) and Matthew Taylor (three for 20) helped themselves to cheap wickets.

Durose was in no mood to hang around in reply as Werneth raced to 74 for two and five points which keep alive their chance of a top-five finish and place in next year's LCB Cup.

Whittle's appearance against his former club was laced with poignancy and the old stager did not let down his many admirers.

After Oldham made 189 for seven thanks to Paul Thompson's unbeaten 71 and Craig Joy's 32 - Crompton skipper Carl Taylor taking five for 91 - Whittle ripped through the visitors' batting as they were skittled for a meagre 96.

Oldham professional Mohammed Hanif chipped in with three for 49.

Elsewhere, Norden clinched the title when they defeated Monton and Weaste at home and second-placed Milnrow lost at Rochdale.


OLDHAM returned to winning ways at Monton and Weaste on Saturday in a game reduced to 33 overs per side because of rain.
Mohammed Jatoi hit 44 and Chris McDonnell 34 as Oldham scored a challenging 157 for eight. Trent Scott took four for 16.

And Monton were skittled for just 83, Saeed Wasif doing most of the damage with five for 48 and Mel Whittle collecting three for 32.

Crompton were swept aside by champions-elect Norden at Glebe Street.

A 4pm start meant the game was reduced to 20 overs each and, after taking first guard, Crompton were bowled out for 74, visiting professional Michael Price taking five for 40.

And Price was at it with the bat, too, scoring an unbeaten 48 as Norden raced to 77 for one and five points which put them within touching distance of the title. Werneth and Royton were victims of the weather.