Close-run thing for Royton

Photo: PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

NOT OUT: Radcliffe batsman Anis Patel survives an appeal from Oldham's bowler Aqueel Ashraf.

CRICKET:

FORMER Royton professional Luke Procter returned to the Paddock team for yesterday’s Lake Garage CLL Championship match at Ashton.

But it was a case of sweet and sour for the Lancashire opening batsman, deputising for the absent Ben Dunk, as Royton staggered over the finishing line at Rayner Lane, making it two wins from three league fixtures.

The home side took first guard and were bowled out for 109 under grey skies. Four Royton bowlers took two wickets — Adam Good, Procter, Ben Ingham and Liam Brown.

Royton began their innings with rain inevitable and, once they went off the field early in their reply, a revised target of 98 was set.

Procter made only four before being clean bowled by Naweed Ghany. Khurram Ali collected five for 27.

Royton scraped and scrambled and, thanks mainly to a crucial knock of 30 from Ryan Carruthers and 18 by Brown, reached their target for the loss of eight wickets to secure maximum points.



OLDHAM suffered their third successive defeat when they succumbed by 125 runs to Radcliffe at the Pollards.

Professional Siddique Mohammed took four for 53, Afridi hit 58, Patel 52 and Gibson 47 as the visitors racked up 220 for four. Oldham were skittled for just 95.



WERNETH had to settle for a share of the spoils against Monton and Weaste at the Coppice following wins in their first two fixtures. Skipper Matthew Taylor hit 36 out of 111 for six when rain had the final say.



CROMPTON are still looking for their first win of the season after their match at Unsworth was abandoned with the hosts on 41 for two.