Stand-in Zaman returns in style

CLOSE CALL . . . Werneth professional Darren Shadford survives an appeal for leg before wicket against Walsden at the Coppice yesterday.

CRICKET: MOHAMMED Zaman Khan made a triumphant return to Glebe Street, albeit in unfortunate circumstances, as bottom club Crompton secured victory in their penultimate Lake Garage CLL fixture of the season.

Regular pro Matt Needham's mother's health took a serious turn for the worse in the build-up to the game and, with the England-based South African returning home on compassionate grounds, Crompton needed a stand-in.

And who better than the player who performed so well for them last season?

Zaman Khan, professional for Darwen in the Northern League, hit a superb 116 in Crompton's 234 for eight after they took first guard against in-form Radcliffe.

And he followed that up with four for 73 as the visitors were dismissed for 210.

Zaman Khan was given excellent support with the bat by Aqib Zulfiqar (43), while skipper Carl Taylor's five for 59 halted Radcliffe in their attempt to chase down a lofty target.

Radcliffe's Qasir Malik had a fine match, hitting an undefeated 81 and taking four for 17.

OLDHAM must have thought they were on their way to another end-of-season win when they posted 222 for nine against Ashton at Rayner Lane.

Paul Thompson was the star of the show with a superb 101, while professional Mohammed Hanif chipped in with 38.

But Ashton - enjoying a tremendous finish to their campaign - scored the runs they needed for the loss of eight wickets, overseas amateur Donovan Lovell hitting a rapid 50 and Akmand Rathmour a match-winning unbeaten 63.

Mel Whittle, chasing the eight wickets he needs for 100 in his farewell season, took three and requires five from his last match against Middleton at the Pollards on Sunday.

WERNETH have been in excellent form of late so their eight-wicket home defeat at the hands of Walsden came as a complete surprise.

The Coppice outfit were skittled for 106, Jamie Shackleton taking four for 45 and Mark Halstead three for five.

And Walsden knocked off the runs with ease for the loss of two wickets. James Rawlinson hit 48 and overseas amateur Ashley Sbirrizzi an unbeaten 41.


ROYTON were put to the sword by Unsworth, who rattled up 319 for seven at home thanks to 78 from pro Calvin Flowers, an unbeaten 62 from overseas amateur Jonathan Fowler, 59 not out from Steven Judge and 54 from Chris Long.

That score proved way beyond Royton, who were bowled out for 200 despite paid man Luke Procter's 77 and 55 from promising youngster Liam Mason.


NORDEN will host Littleborough in the final of the John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition on Saturday.

Littleborough (148-7) defeated Milnrow (139-8) in their semi-final at Ladyhouse on Saturday, while Norden (183-2) won at Clifton (180-6), professional Michael Price continuing his amazing form with 100.