Zaman zaps derby rivals

CRICKET:

ROYTON’S self-belief and the coolness of professional Mohammed Zaman Khan made the difference as the Paddock men saw off gallant Werneth in Saturday’s Lake Garage CLL derby.

For most of this game, Royton held the upper hand after Paddock skipper Alan Durose called right at the toss and asked Werneth to bat on a wicket which promised a few early gremlins.

That decision was largely justified after Werneth were restricted to 169 for nine.

Visiting skipper Matthew Taylor top scored with 40 off 79 balls, overseas amateur Kyle Roberts hit 22 and Joe Taylor 23.

Werneth were indebted to some splendid late hitting from Mike Wilson, who smashed 18 off just six deliveries. A total which was average at best should not have posed too many problems for Royton, but an excellent display by Joe Taylor set them back.

The in-form bowler took four for 38 as Royton struggled but, after some early-season failures, Zaman Khan stepped up to the plate with a match-winning knock of 77 not out off 102 balls.




Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle