Whittle makes instant impact
Reporter: Keith McHugh
Date published: 22 August 2011
looks familiar: Mel Whittle (left) and Royton skipper Alan Durose keep a close eye on in events against Ashton.
CRICKET: STAND-IN professional Mel Whittle made a sensational return to cricket by taking a wicket with his very first ball as Royton collected five more points in their bid to finish in the top five of the Lake Garage CLL.
The 63-year-old former Oldham and Crompton stalwart, deputising for Luke Procter — resting on the orders of the Lancashire staff — trapped Ashton opener Imran Yousaf for a duck as the visitors made a dreadful start in their attempt to chase a revised target of 128 off 48 overs following afternoon rain.
Whittle went on to take four for 38 and Matthew Hodson four for 16 as Ashton were skittled for a meagre 68.
Earlier, Royton had been bowled out for 136 despite 39 from Liam Brown. Siraj Kadodia took seven for 54 for Ashton.
Like Royton, Werneth are entertaining hopes of a top-five finish and place in next season's LCB Cup.
But their hopes of achieving that goal were dented when they lost by five wickets at home to Monton and Weaste.
Professional Hasnain Abbas hit 40 as Werneth were bowled out for 150. Visiting professional Paul Green took five for 51 and Dominic Gavin four for 74.
Rain forced a revised target of 123 off 38 overs, and that proved well within Monton’s range as they cruised to 124 for five, Green hitting 47.
Oldham were defeated at Milnrow, who posted 236 after taking first guard. Overseas amateur James Newnham was unbeaten on 94, while Alex Scholefield hit 62 and Mohammed Niaz took six for 70.
As in other games, Oldham were set a revised target, but 142 off 23 overs proved beyond them and they were bowled out for 131 despite skipper Chris McDonnell's 36.
Home professional Raheel Majeed took five for 45.
Crompton had to settle for a share of the spoils at Unsworth, where rain had the final say.
After Crompton had made 174 — pro Jonathan Fowler taking four for 57 and Jack O’Brien four for 43 — Unsworth were 23 for one when the weather intervened.
