Dual mission for Royton

Mohammed Zaman Khan

CRICKET: FOR Royton, the task is quite straightforward. Win two games this weekend and a place in next year’s Lake Garage CLL Premier Division will be theirs.

Home games against Rochdale tomorrow and Littleborough 24 hours later will decide their fate and determine whether skipper Alan Durose’s pre-season demand of a top-eight finish will be delivered.

Littleborough are eighth, a point ahead of Royton and three in front of Monton and Weaste.

Boro face a tricky trip to Clifton on Saturday, while Royton host Rochdale and Monton and Weaste have a nightmare fixture at Norden.

Should Boro gain maximum points and Royton lose heavily, it will be all over for the Paddock outfit.

But that is not a scenario Durose is contemplating as he prepares his team.

Tomorrow’s game against Rochdale comes only six days after the Redbrook side hammered Royton by nine wickets on their home turf.

Royton have home advantage this time and Durose is demanding his players step up to the plate.

Should Royton do the business, it will book them a place in the top flight for 2013.



MOHAMMED Zaman Khan has played a vital part in Royton’s push in the last few weeks, says Alan Durose.

The Paddock skipper is hoping the Pakistan star can deliver when it matters most this weekend.

“I strongly believe he is one of the very best professionals in the league on his day,” said Durose.

“He is very experienced and has a professional attitude with bat and ball.”



WALSDEN will clinch the CLL title should they beat Radcliffe at home on Saturday.

At one stage during last Sunday’s game at Radcliffe they were seven down for less than 100 before going on to clinch victory.

Radcliffe stand in their way again on Saturday, but Walsden have home advantage this time. Should they fail and second-placed Heywood win at Werneth, a winner-takes-all showdown between the top two will take place at Walsden on Sunday.




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