Werneth hold trump cards

ANDY WALKER . . . praise for Werneth new boys.

CRICKET:

WERNETH won’t rest on their laurels as they continue their push for promotion to the Lake Garage CLL’s Premier Division.

Hot on the heels of Championship leaders Royton, Werneth have opened a useful gap over third-placed Radcliffe.

But cricket chairman Andy Walker believes Werneth can raise their game to a higher level.

“You can’t look over your shoulders at what the other clubs are doing,” he said. “We just have to keep winning, improving our skills and playing to the best of our ability.

Last weekend’s hero at Unsworth was Ali Muzaffer, whom Walker describes as “four players in one.”

The former Milnrow man, who made a vital contribution at Monton, made an even more significant knock at Unsworth, hitting 103 in a total of 178 all out.

“He’s been batting lower in the order, but we had three players (Hasnain Heider, Rob Shaw and John Slater) missing at Unsworth so he batted higher and did so well,” said Walker.

“He kept wicket in Rob’s absence, but he can also bowl off spin and is an electric fielder, too.”

Werneth’s riches have meant Michael Wilson and Mehmood Ul-Hassan have had few chances to bowl

Another option will be in place for Saturday’s visit of derby rivals Oldham. Werneth have found an overseas amateur, Indian playe Sudarsan Balasubrananian, who bats in the middle order and is an adept spinner.