Werneth see light at the end of the tunnel

MATTHEW TAYLOR . . . league’s youngest captain.

CRICKET: MATTHEW Taylor has had a tough baptism as captain of Werneth.

The youngest skipper in the league, Taylor has suffered the frustration of seeing his side bow out of the Wood Cup at the first hurdle and seriously underachieve in the league.

But there are signs – unlike the ridiculous weather we are experiencing – that things are about to get brighter.

Taylor’s team, whose last two league fixtures have produced victory over Ashton and a promising display at champions Norden, will feel they have every chance of victory over Royton at the Coppice tomorrow given their opponents’ struggles.

Alan Durose, a former favourite at Werneth and the captain of Royton, will have other ideas, but his batsmen are desperately short of runs and a significant improvement in that department is needed.

Experience is crucial in these situations so Durose, opening batsman Chris McDonnell and professional Mohammed Zaman Khan will be keen to set an example to the team’s younger players.

Crompton will be desperate to play against struggling Ashton at Rayner Lane, while Oldham will be out to build on their recent successes when they entertain Monton and Weaste.

TOMORROW (1.30pm): Ashton v Crompton; Clifton v Milnrow; Heywood v Rochdale; Littleborough v Radcliffe; Middleton v Norden; Oldham v Monton and Weaste; Walsden v Unsworth; Werneth v Royton.

SUNDAY: CLL colts v Ribblesdale League at Read CC, 1.30pm; CLL 2nd X1 v Bolton League 2nd X1 at Radcliffe CC, 1.30pm.




TONIGHT’S Lees Bitter Twenty20 quarter-finals were called off this morning due to the incessant rain which has left pitches saturated and, in some case, waterlogged.



The matches have been provisionally rearranged for next Friday, July 13.