Mel’s chance to sign off with a bang

MEL WHITTLE: goodbye to all that

CRICKET: MEL WHITTLE brings the curtain down on a 49-year cricketing career on Sunday.

And like anyone taking centre stage, the 63-year-old possesses a real sense of theatre.

With 95 Lake Garage CLL wickets to his credit this season, Whittle needs just five more against Middleton at the Pollards to make it a magical century in his farewell season.

Typically, Whittle is playing down the expectation ahead of the challenge.

“If it happens, it happens - if it doesn’t, then tough,” he said.

“Whatever happens, though, I will have had the best season by an Oldham amateur bowler.

“The previous best was in 1984 when I took 87 wickets, so I have already beaten that.”

Whatever scenario unfolds at the Pollards, Whittle insists the Middleton game will be his last competitive match.

“I won’t be changing my mind as 49 years in the game is long enough,” he said.

Oldham’s opponents are likely to face plenty of overs from Whittle as one cannot envisage skipper Chris McDonnell taking him off so near to the magical three-figures landmark.

And if he tried, one suspects he would be unable to get the ball off the bowler!

Elsewhere on Sunday, Werneth, Royton and Crompton will also be aiming to finish the season on a high.

All three face opponents in the top five.

Werneth go to Rochdale, while Crompton are at Littleborough and Royton host second-placed Milnrow.

TOMORROW (Twenty20 Cup final, 2pm): Norden v Littleborough.

SUNDAY (League, 12.30pm): Heywood v Clifton; Littleborough v Crompton; Norden v Ashton; Oldham v Middleton; Radcliffe v Monton and Weaste; Rochdale v Werneth; Royton v Milnrow; Walsden v Unsworth.


DELPH go to Elland in the Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership tomorrow safe in the knowledge their third-place finish is secure.

Grant Jones’ men can’t move up or down in the table, and can look forward to a pressure-free match.

Jones has a full squad from which to choose.




MICKLEHURST finish their Frank Platt Championship season against Lepton Highlanders at Castle Lane tomorrow.



WOODHOUSES go to Flowery Field tomorrow knowing a victory will secure third place in the Lees Brewery Lancashire County League Division One.

Mike Cassidy’s side are one point above their hosts.