Crompton’s bolt from the blue

CRICKET: AGAINST all the odds – and perhaps even their own expectations – Crompton secured a stunning Lake Garage CLL victory over derby rivals Royton at Glebe Street yesterday.

Danny Taylor was the hero for Crompton, hitting a superb 85 as opening batsman and then taking two wickets for 59 runs.

After taking first guard, Crompton at last made the sizeable score – 218 for eight - their bowlers had a chance to defend.

Taylor's knock included eight fours and a six, and he was given excellent support by fellow opener Darren Lee (33), and middle order batsmen Aqib Zulfiqar (35 off 26 balls) and overseas amateur Sami Ullah (23 off 16 balls).

Royton deputy professional Glen Addicott fared best of the visiting bowlers with four for 52.

On so many occasions this season, Crompton's bowlers have had little to work with, but this was different and the prospect of victory over the Wood Cup finalists and neighbours spurred them to greater heights than they have achieved in recent months.

Chris Hutchinson (34), Liam Mason (29) and Ryan Carruthers (20) played cameo roles, but none of the Royton batsmen could make the big score the situation demanded and they were bowled out for 172, giving the hosts maximum points and only their second victory of the entire season.

Home professional Fida Hussain took four for 39, while Ullah completed a solid all-round performance with two for 52.

In the day's other derby, Werneth proved too strong for an Oldham side who looked to be heading for victory for long periods of the game.

Taking first guard, Werneth lost early wickets but vital middle-order contributions from Robert Shaw (30), Mahmood Ul Hassan (32) and Chris Machin (28) helped the Coppice outfit to the respectability of 181 all out.

Home pro Kamran Hussain took three for 25 and opening bowler Saeed Wasif four for 76.

That score did not look anything near enough when Oldham cruised to 61 for one off 10 overs, but the dismissal of opener Zaffer Jatoi for 32 and professional Kamran Hussain for 51 turned the game in Werneth's favour and Oldham collapsed to 135 all out.

Bowling hero for Werneth was skipper Andy Walker, the leg spinner taking five for 33.

Elsewhere, leaders Norden lost only their second game of the season when Rochdale successfully chased down 242 for victory at Woodhouse Lane, overseas amateur Greg Dawson scoring a match-winning unbeaten 124.