Local interest over

Crompton batsman Simon Wright survives Unsworth bowler Andrew Clarkson

LOCAL interest in this season's John Willie Lees Wood Cup is over after just one round of matches.

Werneth's tame exit at Middleton was mirrored by defeats for Crompton, Oldham and last year's beaten finalists, Royton.

Most disappointing exit came from Royton, who looked sure to reach round two after dismissing Milnrow for 115 at Ladyhouse, Liam Brown taking seven for 30 and home pro Babar Naeem hitting 56.

But even that modest total proved beyond Royton, who were bowled out for only 96.

CROMPTON went down at home to Unsworth after taking first guard and making 155 thanks mainly to Steven Wright's 61. Visiting paid man Jonathan Fowler took three for 29.

Unsworth knocked off the runs they needed for the loss of five wickets with John Wiggans controlling the reply with an unbeaten 57.

OLDHAM were blown away at Rochdale, who won by seven wickets.

Michael Harling took six for 21 as Oldham were skittled for 70 and that total proved a doddle for the hosts, who lost just three wickets.

Scores –
Middleton 205-6 (Hardman 100, J Taylor 3-45), Werneth 93 (Core 4-15, Hardman 4-19); Littleborough 203-7 (Perren 103 n.o.), Monton and Weaste 204-6 (Green 76, Murray 48, Williams 3-30); Milnrow 115 (Naeem 56, Brown 7-30), Royton 96; Walsden 268-5 (Hooson 110 n.o., Dhammika 52, Kadodia 4-60), Ashton 100 (Iqbal 42, Kyne 4-19); Rochdale 71-3, Oldham 70 (Harling 6-21); Crompton 155 (St Wright 61, Fowler 3-29), Unsworth 156-5 (Wiggans 57 n.o.); Radcliffe 165 (Hayes 47, Humphries 3-26, Pimm 3-49), Norden 320-7 (Price 172, Brierley 82, Burns 3-59); Heywood 152-9 (Cross 32, Jennings 4-16, Wright 3-24), Clifton 146 (Naeem 3-27).