Turning back the clock

smashing time... Royton batsman Ryan Carruthers hits a four on his way to 48 in the semi-final showdown.

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CRICKET: IT was like a trip down Memory Lane on Sunday as Royton thrashed Walsden to book their place in the final of the John Willie Lees Wood Cup.

With so many other distractions these days, CLL cricket followers have dwindled in numbers and, quite often, there is only a sprinkling of spectators at matches.

But that was anything but the case on Sunday as an estimated 500 turned up at the Paddock to watch Royton bid for a 10th final under new skipper Alan Durose.

And the Royton boys — and stand-in pro Jamie How in particular — did not let their supporters down, delivering a 136 runs victory to book their place in the final at Monton and Weaste on Sunday, August 7.

Leading the way was Jamie How with a brilliant, man-of-the-match innings of 120, a knock which earned glowing praise from Durose.

He said: “Jamie was happy to get involved, getting here early to have a look at the pitch and watch the under-13s.

“He is a Test-match player and knew exactly what his job was. It was a superb innings.”

Durose also had special praise for John Punchard, who made a vital contribution with four wickets despite being in his 50s.

And fast bowler Matthew Hodson, who ripped the heart out of Walsden with the first three wickets to fall, also had a ringing endorsement from the captain.

“The wickets of Matt Dawson and the pro (Gulam Bodi) were important for us and we got them cheaply.

“We worked out where to bowl to them and the plan worked.

“Matthew is a good bowler with a lot of ability, but he can get a bit hot-headed at times and needs to concentrate on his bowling. But those early wickets were vital.”

Durose already has one eye on the final: “This has been our day and it is a great achievement, but we want to win the trophy.

“All the lads know their jobs and we will play the final believing we can win.

“It’s all about which team turns up on the day and wants it most.”

One player who will be more fired up than most for the final is Royton professional Luke Procter, who has missed much of the season on Lancashire duty.

Returning from county duty for the end of the semi-final, Procter said: “Lancashire have nothing on that day, so I will be available and look forward to playing.”

Hodson will also be hoping to be in the Royton line-up, but his place is in some jeopardy as he is up before the CLL’s disciplinary committee tomorrow week following an incident in the quarter-final against Norden.

Hodson is alleged to have used abusive language to an opposition batsman and a wide range of powers open to the CLL include a ban for the player.