Royton sound a cup warning

CRICKET: ROYTON struck a psychological blow in the build-up to Sunday's Wood Cup final when they defeated Middleton by 45 runs at the Paddock on Saturday.

In a dress rehearsal for the CLL's showpiece final, Royton took first guard and made 178 for eight thanks to professional Luke Procter's 107. Off spinner Dale Highton took three for 61.

Middleton were then dismissed for 133, Royton skipper Alan Durose taking five for 44 and overseas amateur Chris Hutchinson four for 55.

OLDHAM went down fighting in a high-scoring game at Rochdale.

After taking first guard, the hosts racked up 285 for seven with pro Dieter Klein hitting 84 and Adam Smith 51.

And Oldham made a great fist of chasing down that target, paid man Kamran Hussain scoring a superb 137 and vice-captain Paul Thompson 53.

WERNETH suffered a heartbreaking one-wicket defeat at the hands of Radcliffe at the Coppice.

Joe Taylor hit 40 as Werneth amassed 213 for nine after batting first. Visiting pro Anwar Ul-Haq took five for 69 and Michael Burns three for 75.

Radcliffe reached their target in tense fashion, young Thomas Barling scoring 57 and Gareth Wolstencroft 39. Home paid man Hasnain Abbas took three for 71.

CROMPTON were well beaten by Heywood at Crimble, the home side rattling up 294 for four after batting first.

Heywood professional Andrea Agathangelou hit 110 and Ross Zelem 86, while Crompton skipper Carl Taylor bowled unchanged throughout to take three for 127.

In reply, Crompton were skittled for 122 as they lost by 172 runs.