Royton’s top-five ambition on the line

CRICKET: ROYTON captain Alan Durose has called for one last push as the Paddock outfit look to end a successful season in the top-five of the Lake Garage CLL.

There has rarely been a dull moment at the club this term, with appearances in the Wood Cup final and Twenty20 semi-finals among the highlights.

And in typical fashion Sunday’s trip to Heywood — the final game of the season — is a play-off for that fifth spot, which secures a place in next year’s LCB Cup.

Three points separate fifth-placed Heywood and Royton, who sit in sixth position.

Durose said: “The previous match (defeat to Rochdale) summed up our season because it was a huge chance to virtually wrap up LCB Cup qualification, but we lost. At least it makes this weekend interesting!

“It all comes down to the final crunch at the end of an intriguing campaign. Hopefully we give it one last push and get the result.

“I think we have overachieved, so now it is a case of managing expectations. As disappointing as the Rochdale match was, everyone is allowed an off day.

“If our club officials were offered a Wood Cup final, Twenty20 semi-final and a chance of a top-five spot, at the start of the season, they probably would have snapped your hand off.”

Royton’s new pro Mohammad Zamin Khan, who replaces Lancashire’s Luke Procter as pro for 2011, will play in Sunday’s showdown.

Elsewhere, Crompton entertain Radcliffe, Oldham play host to Ashton and Werneth go to Unsworth.

Fixtures (12.30pm start): Crompton v Radcliffe; Heywood v Royton; Littleborough v Norden; Middleton v Monton & Weaste; Milnrow v Walsden; Oldham v Ashton; Rochdale v Clifton; Unsworth v Werneth.