Paddock crunch for derby rivals

DENIS LOUIS: key player for Crompton this weekend.

CRICKET: ROYTON must overcome determined derby rivals Crompton if they are to take another step towards the Championship title they so desperately crave.

The current leaders have a one-point advantage over Werneth and know any slip-up could prove extremely costly.

With two clubs set to secure promotion to the Premier Division, the stakes are high.

And although Crompton are only fourth in the table, they are still within striking distance of tomorrow’s hosts at the Paddock and would close the gap significantly were they to come out on top.

Victory for Royton would give Crompton a mountain to climb and give Denny Hulme’s side breathing space as the season approaches its halfway stage.

Royton have been impressive in recent weeks, with both batting and bowling units performing efficiently.

The Australian axis of professional Brad Dunk and overseas amateur Chris Hutchinson has been complemented by the talents of Ryan Carruthers and others, while Adam Good’s eight-wicket haul at Monton and Weaste last weekend will have done wonders for the opening bowler’s confidence.

As for Crompton, their own paid man Michael Pote is surely due a big score.

The South African has been showing genuine signs of hitting top form with the bat and it could happen this weekend.

If Crompton can post a good score – and overseas amateur Denis Louis is another player waiting to explode – their efficient bowling attack could do the rest.

Royton will start slight favourites, but this is a game which could go either way.

The odds are stacked slightly more in Werneth’s favour in tomorrow’s other derby at home to Oldham.

Second-placed Werneth looked a determined and capable outfit when winning at Unsworth last Sunday, a result in complete contrast to Oldham’s capitulation at the hands of bottom club Ashton at the Pollards.