Werneth out to grab limelight

MAN ON A MISSION . . . Werneth skipper Andy Walker will be hoping to halt Royton’s impressive progress.

CRICKET: THERE seems to be genuine pleasure among Royton’s closest rivals that the Paddock club has reached the final of the John Willie Lees Wood Cup.

Last Sunday’s semi-final demolition of Walsden was well received by the majority at Werneth, Oldham and Crompton, but such feelings of warmth are bound to be mixed ever so slightly with envy.

So it is totally understandable that Werneth will be fired up for tomorrow’s league showdown with Royton at the Coppice.

Having grabbed the headlines for their cup exploits and a successful run in the league which has lifted them to sixth in the table, Royton now assume the role of a team which is there to be shot at.

And Werneth will be hoping they have the bullets to inflict plenty of damage.

Werneth have promised much this season, but every time they have looked likely to enjoy a successful spell, they have lost the plot.

Andy Walker’s men are six places and seven points behind Royton, but victory tomorrow would make the situation look so much healthier and could provide the launch pad for a concerted push for the LCB Cup places in the second half of the season.

Werneth’s players also have the incentive of putting one over on their former team-mate Alan Durose, who is now doing such a sterling job as skipper at Royton.

Durose will be aware that he will be in the firing line tomorrow and that jibes aimed at him will be in liberal supply.

However, such is Durose’s focus at the moment that I would be surprised if anything were to distract him and the same can be said of his team which is exuding confidence.

It is up to Werneth and their many capable players to prove they can rise to the challenge.

A second intriguing derby will be held at Glebe Street where Crompton entertain Oldham.

Crompton had little chance — in common with most other CLL clubs – at runaway leaders Norden last weekend and will fancy their chances against an Oldham outfit which succumbed all too easily against Monton and Weaste in their latest outing.

That defeat came immediately after Oldham’s unsuccessful appeal against a £500 CLL fine and it remains to be seen whether that hammer blow causes lasting damage.

During the last few seasons, Oldham have often taken two steps forward and three back and it is to be hoped that recent events have not completely sapped morale on and off the field.

Their nine-wicket victory at Werneth a fortnight ago showed they are capable of big things on their day and a repeat of that display would cause struggling Crompton serious problems.

Carl Taylor’s men have home advantage, however, and like the other derby match in town tomorrow, this is one which could go either way.

TONIGHT (Twenty20 quarter-finals, 6.15pm): Werneth v Littleborough; Crompton v Rochdale; Radcliffe v Royton; Middleton v Clifton.

TOMORROW (League, 1.30pm): Crompton v Oldham; Middleton v Littleborough; Milnrow v Rochdale; Monton and Weaste v Norden; Radcliffe v Ashton; Unsworth v Clifton; Walsden v Heywood; Werneth v Royton.