Tricky draw for local hopefuls

CRICKET:

ALL four local teams have been handed tough draws in the first round of next year’s John Willie Lees Wood Cup.

The Lake Garage CLL’s flagship competition was won last year by Middleton, who beat Royton in a tense final at Monton and Weaste. And Werneth will have to beat the holders on their own Towncroft ground if they are to progress to round two.

Royton, whose mission will be to go one better than in 2011, also face a tough away trip to Milnrow.

The same applies to Oldham, who must travel to Redbrook to face Rochdale.

Crompton, who are likely to bring in several new faces next season, have home advantage against Unsworth.

Next season’s final has been switched from Ashton to Middleton. Ashton was next on the rota, but problems with the pavilion roof mean the Rayner Lane club cannot guarantee the building being up to the standard needed for the final.

Middleton, who had been scheduled to host the 2013 final, will stage the 2012 conclusion of the competition, while Ashton’s turn has been put back 12 months to give them more time to complete repairs.

The full draw for the 2012 Wood Cup is:

First round (Sunday, May 20): Middleton v Werneth; Heywood v Clifton; Littleborough v Monton and Weaste; Milnrow v Royton; Walsden v Ashton; Rochdale v Oldham; Crompton v Unsworth; Radcliffe v Norden.

Quarter-finals (Sunday, June 17): Milnrow/Royton v Heywood/Clifton; Middleton/Werneth v Crompton/Unsworth; Littleborough/Monton and Weaste v Rochdale/Oldham; Walsden/Ashton v Radcliffe/Norden.

Semi-finals (Sunday, July 1): Middleton/Werneth/Crompton/Unsworth v Littleborough/Monton and Weaste/ Rochdale/Oldham; Walsden/Ashton/Radcliffe/Norden v Milnrow/Royton/Heywood/Clifton.

All matches start at 1.30pm.

The Burton Cup for 2nd XIs will use the same draw, but with home venues reversed.a