Royton woe as Werneth show true colours

Photo: Chris Sunderland

LUKE SHARP... Royton professional Luke Procter makes up his ground as Werneth attempt a run out.

CRICKET: TRUE to the unpredictable nature of their season, Werneth upset the odds to inflict derby-day misery on Royton in the Lake Garage CLL.

Leading up to Saturday's game at the Coppice, Royton had been in terrific form and Werneth struggling for their next win.

But just when you prepare to write off Werneth, so they bounce back.

And they did so in great style, registering a superb six-wickets win and making it a miserable return to the Coppice for Alan Durose, the Royton skipper and former Werneth regular.

Taking first guard, Royton were bowled out for a disappointing 133 despite a solid knock of 75 from professional Luke Procter. Home professional Hasnain Abbas took five for 46 and Matthew Taylor three for 26.

Werneth had little difficulty in reaching their target for the loss of four wickets, overseas amateur Lewis Ashton hitting an unbeaten 50 and skipper Andy Walker 31.

The day's other derby was won by Oldham, who saw off Crompton by 88 runs.

Kamran Hussain hit 61 as Oldham were bowled out for 170, his opposite number Fida Hussain taking three for 52 and Danny Taylor four for eight.

Crompton's reply soon hit the buffers and they were blitzed for just 82, Saeed Wasif returning excellent figures of six for 39.

ROYTON reached the semi-finals of the John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition thanks to a bowl-out victory over Radcliffe in Friday's quarter-final at the Racecourse.

After Radcliffe had been dismissed for 116 and Royton were on three for one, the heavens opened and the game was washed out.

The teams had the option of returning yesterday, but elected for a bowl-out which Royton won 4-3.

Werneth bowed out of the tournament when they lost by 13 runs at home to Littleborough yesterday in a game put back from Friday night.

Boro made 112 thanks to 62 from Gary Hulme. Mark Dronsfield took three for 15.

And Werneth were bowled out for a disappointing 99 as veteran Mo Bux collected three for 11.

Middleton (211-2) beat Clifton (did not bat) 3-0 in similar circumstances to those of Royton, while Crompton and Rochdale will play tonight (6.15).

THE CLL colts beat their Ribblesdale League counterparts by seven wickets in the latest Inter-League group game at Settle CC.

The hosts made 213 for eight before the CLL replied with 218 for three.

Middleton’s George Walker was named man-of-the-match after claiming two wickets, scoring 18 not out and taking a vital catch.