Oldham aim to turn the tide

CRICKET:

OLDHAM are determined to pick themselves up following Sunday’s depressing John Willie Lees Wood Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Walsden.

The eight-wickets home defeat, which came just 24 hours after defeat against the same opposition at the Pollards, left Oldham with nothing to play for this season but a respectable league placing.

And skipper Chris McDonnell revealed improved batting discipline had been the main item on the agenda at a team meeting to discuss ways in which performances – and results – can be improved.

“I have been banging the same drum for ages, but they haven’t been listening,” said McDonnell.

”They all want to go out and smash the ball around rather than bat properly and we keep getting bowled out cheaply.

“But one or two of the younger lads have started to respond, such as Craig Taylor and Michael Birkett, and they also know that the fielding has to improve as well as there are too many lapses.”

McDonnell, who admitted his own batting form had suffered after a superb start to the season, is also hoping that the return of several players to the squad can have a positive effect.

“Dr Zaffer (Jatoi) is back this weekend after missing several matches and the younger lads who have been doing revision for exams are available, too,” he said.

Next up for Oldham are Milnrow at home on Saturday, but it is Sunday’s derby match at Werneth which will arouse most local interest.

Added McDonnell: “I have to admit they have had it over us for the last couple of years.

“There’s always a lot of banter and I expect it will be the same this weekend.”




OLDHAM’S appeal against a £500 fine imposed by the CLL will be heard by the league’s Appeals Committee on Wednesday.