Rain, rain, go away...

CRICKET:

GROUNDSMEN throughout the Lake Garage CLL are bracing themselves for more heavy rain during the build-up to Sunday’s round of fixtures.

Last weekend’s matches were cancelled without a ball being bowled and, if the weather forecast proves accurate, it could be the same again.

Royton, scheduled to entertain Rochdale last Sunday, attempted to dry the pitch on the day of the match — in vain.

Club spokesman Bernard Wade said: “It rained for most of last week and when it did so again early on Sunday morning the damage had been done.

Royton, who won at Littleborough on the opening day of the season and travel to Radcliffe on Sunday, are hoping to benefit from the efforts of Andy Haughton, who has been working hard to prepare the square at the Paddock.

Crompton, who entertain champions Norden, and Oldham, at home to Walsden, will also be looking anxiously at the skies in the hope that the anticipated deluge does not materialise.

Home games are the source of valuable revenue and the calling-off of fixtures is a huge financial blow to clubs.