Werneth’s Twenty20 derby tonic

CRICKET: WERNETH and Royton made a winning start to their Lees Bitter Twenty20 Competition campaigns.

Werneth won Saturday’s derby against Oldham at the Pollards, while Royton proved too strong for Ashton at the Paddock.

Crompton, however, were narrowly beaten at home to Littleborough.

Oldham had high hopes going into their derby match and, having restricted Werneth to 149 for four, must have thought they were in with a good shout of victory.

But the Werneth bowlers kept them in check and Oldham ended their 20 overs on 117 for seven.

In the same South-East section, Royton professional Ben Dunk collected four for 19 off his four overs as Ashton made 108 for nine.

Professional Naweed Ghany hit 35 and Siraj Kadodia 32.

Royton reached their target for the loss of six wickets with overseas amateur Chris Hutchinson top scoring with 41.

In the North-West section, Littleborough batted first and made 117 for four at Crompton thanks mainly to a fine knock of 55 by paid man Clinton Perren.

Ryan Mayes bowled well to collect two for 20 from his four overs.

In reply, Crompton were held to 104 for five despite professional Michael Pote’s breezy 38.

Perren completed a fine all-round performance with two for 13 from four overs.