Oldham still paying the penalty

Photo: Gareth Lowe

ATTACKING INTENT . . . Jon Slater attempts a drive for Werneth against Walsden at the Coppice on Sunday.

CRICKET: OLDHAM’S second attempt to remove their 15-point penalty has been rejected by the Lake Garage CLL.

The penalty was imposed when it deemed that the club had failed to register overseas amateur Keelan Gossayn following his delayed arrival in Britain.

The Icelandic volcano crisis caused the cancellation of the South African’s flight and the relevant registration form was not received by league secretary Alan Wright.

Mr Wright said: “I have since received a letter from Oldham which contained a photocopy of a registration form.

“This was deemed non-admissable by the Management Committee.”


HEYWOOD have re-signed India’s Rajat Bhatia as their professional for 2011.

Bhatia, whose arrival was delayed because of a permit problem, has enjoyed a fine season, averaging around 50 with the bat and taking over 70 wickets.

And I also understand that Middleton are set to complete the capture of Michael Smith from Lancashire League side Bacup.

The South African was stand-in pro for the Towncroft side on several occasions this summer and impressed with the fluency of his batting.


MOHAMMED Zaman Khan performed heroics for Crompton in their victory over Radcliffe on Saturday and, in the continued absence of Glebe Street professional Matt Needham, will be on duty against Littleborough at Hare Hill on Sunday.

Khan, paid man for Darwen in the Northern League this summer following a successful spell at Crompton in 2009, hit a century and took four wickets as bottom club Crompton secured a morale-boosting victory against Radcliffe.


THE outcome of the CLL title race has long been settled, but the battle is still on for the league’s Subdisiary Cup.

This goes to the team with the best record in the last six matches and, providing they secure maximum points at Royton on Sunday, Wood Cup winners Milnrow will be the recipients following an excellent end-of-season run.

TOMORROW: Spotlight on Mel Whittle as Oldham’s veteran bids to take his 100th wicket in his final competitive cricket match.