Luke success hits Royton
Date published: 28 April 2011
LONG WALK BACK . . . Rochdale batsman John Henderson returns disconsolately to the pavilion at the Paddock after being run out for 28 by Matthew Smith.
CRICKET: LUKE Procter’s blossoming career for Lancashire inevitably spells trouble for Royton.
The paid man at the Paddock cemented his place in the Red Rose line-up yesterday with a superb knock of 89 against Sussex as Lancashire piled up the runs on day two of the LV= County Championship clash.
With Lancashire’s thin squad carrying a few injuries, Procter was always going to get his opportunity.
And even though it probably came sooner than expected – three matches into season after two wins for Lancashire – Procter has grabbed his chance with both hands.
He was playing in day three of the match against Sussex today and will stay down south for the weekend in order to rest for Monday’s one-day CB40 game against Essex Eagles at Chelmsford.
That means he will be unavailable for Royton for the second successive weekend.
Royton certainly missed Procter last Sunday when they were defeated at home by Littleborough.
But there were continued signs of promise from the team and new skipper Alan Durose was anything but disheartened by the 30-run defeat.
“We are getting there,” he claimed. “Some of the members said we might have lost this game heavily last year, but we were in it until the end and it was only a vital knock of 66 from Phil Deakin, using his experience, which made the difference.”
One of the most striking aspects of Royton’s performance was the excellence of new overseas amateur Chris Hutchinson, who looks a real find for the Paddock outfit.
The 22-year-old Aussie’s five victims for 42 from 16.4 overs kept Boro in check and he was given solid support by his team-mates, most notably the skipper, who claimed the vital wicket of profesional Williams and Clinton Perren.
Deputy pro Amila Weththasinge cut little ice, however, making just 13 runs and finishing wicketless.
The Sri Lankan is professional for Cockermouth in the Cumbria League, the club at which Royton new boy Ryan Carruthers spent his early cricketing career.
CROMPTON and Oldham may be without a win two games into the season, but there are signs that both have the ability to turn the corner.
The former made Rochdale pull out all the stops in chasing down a modest total of 132 which might have been considerably better but for Aqib Zulfiqar retiring hurt on 27 after being hit by a bouncer.
Skipper Carl Taylor took four for 64 as Rochdale struggled over the finishing line for the loss of seven wickets.
Dr Zaffer Jatoi, free to play more often for Oldham after completing his exams, showed he is an opening batsman to be reckoned with when making a classy 64 at Walsden.
Unfortunately, he lacked support as Oldham were dismissed for 129 chasing a gettable 214.
WERNETH’S dramatic return to form after a first-week shocker at Littleborough was as conclusive as it was swift. Just ask Ashton, who were blitzed by 282 runs!
