Abbas has the final say to lift Werneth

CRICKET:

WERNETH repelled a strong challenge from Ashton to pick up four points and cement their place in the top half of the Lake Garage CLL table.

John Slater hit a superb 93 and was well supported by skipper Andy Walker (31) as Werneth

registered 205 all out at Rayner Lane. Home professional Ben Johnson took four for 72.

That total was always going to test a brittle Ashton batting line-up, but they made a real go of it with Siraj Kadodia leading the way with an excellent 75 and Imran Yousaf making 44.

But Werneth pro Hasnain Abbas had the final say, taking late and vital wickets in a haul of four for 38 as Ashton were restricted to 198 for nine.

Our other three local teams all lost in somewhat depressing manner.

ROYTON faced a stiff test at Littleborough, but must have been shellshocked to be bowled out for just 108, veteran Mo Bux taking four for 38 and Liam Brown ending up unbeaten on 31.

That total should not have posed Boro many problems, but they lost seven wickets on their way to victory — six of them to Royton pro Luke Procter at a cost of only 44 runs.

OLDHAM lost their Wood Cup dress rehearsal against Walsden at the Pollards.

The visitors rattled up 212 for seven thanks to Matt Dawson’s terrific 109. Home captain Chris McDonnell took four for 58.

And Oldham were dismissed for only 133 despite a knock of 46 from Paul Thompson. Young spinner Elliott Gilford collected seven for 27 off just 9.5 overs.

CROMPTON’S woes continued when they lost by seven wickets at home to Rochdale.

Only Aqib Zulfiqar (31) offered any resistance as Crompton were skittled for 75, pro Dieter Klein (three for 28) and Anthony Clough (three for 29) doing most of the damage.

Rochdale replied with 77 for three.