Hodson sits out final rehearsal

 CRICKET:

ROYTON go to Middleton tomorrow for a dress rehearsal for next month’s John Willie Lees Wood Cup final.

But they will take on the Moonrakers without the services of fast bowler Matthew Hodson, who on Wednesday night was banned for five matches by the Lake Garage CLL.

Hodson pleaded guilty to a charge of making an abusive and racist remark against an opponent in the Wood Cup quarter-final against Norden last month.

Hodson had been before the league for disciplinary matters on two previous occasions.

He was banned for a total of 10 matches, five of which were held in abeyance until the end of the 2013 season.

Hodson was also banned for two matches by his own club – he has already missed one game – while the CLL ruling means he will miss the John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition finals on Sunday week.

However, the suspension runs out in time for him to be available for selection for the Wood Cup final at Monton and Weaste on Sunday, August 7.

Royton will miss Hodson tomorrow as bowling fire power is essential at a Towncroft track which nearly always favours the batsman. Home professional Michael Smith is enjoying an excellent season with the bat and will pose a major threat.

Whatever their fate at Middleton, Royton will be fired up for the following day’s local derby at home to Oldham.

Royton professional Luke Procter will take on the club which first groomed him for stardom so expect plenty of banter between the paid man and the more experienced Oldham boys.

Current form suggests Royton should win this comfortably, but don’t forget that Royton lost to Werneth last weekend and that team had previously been slaughtered by nine wickets at the hands of Oldham.

Chris McDonnell’s side are not exactly flattered by their current league placing and boast the personnel to cause a surprise.

And they will be hoping for a pre-derby boost by beating Rochdale at home tomorrow.

The first of two local derbies this weekend takes place at Glebe Street tomorrow when Crompton host Werneth.

The latter club put some disappointing efforts behind them when seeing off Royton last weekend and possess three in-form players in pro Hasnain Abbas, overseas amateur Lewis Ashton and young all-rounder Matthew Taylor.

Should Werneth produce something approaching their best form they should prevail, but Carl Taylor and his Crompton team are capable on their day and will no doubt be revved up for this one.

Crompton face a tough trip to Milnrow the following day, while Werneth host improving Middleton.

TOMORROW: Ashton v Heywood; Crompton v Werneth; Littleborough v Walsden; Middleton v Royton; Monton and Weaste v Clifton; Norden v Unsworth; Oldham v Rochdale; Radcliffe v Milnrow.

SUNDAY: Clifton v Ashton; Heywood v Norden; Milnrow v Crompton; Rochdale v Littleborough; Royton v Oldham; Unsworth v Radcliffe; Walsden v Monton and Weaste; Werneth v Middleton.

Matches start at 1.30pm.



THE Twenty20 finals will be held on Sunday week at Middleton, who were successful when the four protagonists drew lots for home advantage this week.

Middleton take on Royton at 10.30am, while Littleborough meet Rochdale at 1.30pm and the final will be played at 4.30pm.


OLDHAM have confirmed they will be paying the £500 fine imposed on them by the league in relation to the staging of a fairground at their Pollards home when a second team match should have been played.



The first instalment of £250 is due before the end of this month.