Walsden on glory trail

CRICKET:

WALSDEN have one hand on the Lake Garage CLL title trophy after Sunday’s victory at home to Norden.

It is 48 years since Walsden clinched their only title but, boasting a nine-point lead with just five sets of fixtures to go, that seems about to change.

With a home game against bottom club Ashton on Sunday, they seem sure to preserve or improve on that lead.

Second-placed Heywood have a tricky match at Royton, who have their own target - a top-eight finish and place in next season’s Premier Division.

Norden are 15 points behind Walsden and virtually out of the title race.

Looking further ahead, it is difficult to see Walsden slipping up. A week on Saturday they go to struggling Oldham, and Radcliffe on the Sunday.

Should Walsden slip in any of their next four matches and Heywood gain maximum points, there could still be all to play for on the final day of the season.

But, as Walsden sweep all before them, that scenario looks increasingly unlikely.

As for the race to get into the top eight, Royton have five games in which to preserve their top-eight placing. But Middleton, the team immediately below them, look to have a much easier set of fixtures.

With so much at stake, it promises to be a tense end to the season.



THE Burton Cup final between Heywood and Middleton at Crimble is due to be held on Saturday (12.45pm) following the wash-out on Bank Holiday Monday.










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