One-match ban sidelines Durose

CHRIS McDONNELL... the Oldham skipper will pit his wits against Unsworth.

CRICKET:

ROYTON begin their 2011 Lake Garage CLL campaign on Sunday without new skipper Alan Durose.

The all-rounder sits out the game as he is serving a one-match ban for a disciplinary offence committed at the end of last season while playing for Werneth.

Royton have a tough opening game at Monton and Weaste, and it’s a similar situation for Andy Walker’s Werneth, who travel to Littleborough knowing an early dismissal of professional Clinton Perren — scorer of over 1,800 runs last season — would do their cause no harm at all.

Chris McDonnell’s Oldham entertain Unsworth and, if the rumour mill is to be believed, that could mean a swift return to the Pollards for Abid Fasil, who informed Oldham he was leaving on the eve of the season.

Crompton, with a new-look line-up, entertain Heywood at Glebe Street. A good start would provide a welcome tonic for last season’s recipients of the wooden spoon.