Crompton crumble to defeat

Photo: PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

LUCKED OUT . . . Heywood bowler Riley Paterson deflected a powerful drive from Darren Graham on to Michael Pote’s stumps, running him out.

Cricket:

CROMPTON failed to do themselves justice in succumbing to John Willies Lees Wood Cup quarter-final defeat at Heywood yesterday.

The nine-wicket defeat was a fair reflection of the day's play. Crompton batted badly and were punished.

A total of 109 all out was never going to be enough to cause competition specialists Heywood a problem.

And so it proved as Heywood raced to victory thanks to the excellence of opening batsman Andy Dawson.

The 19-year-old Heywood opener has a reputation for playing his shots and two sixes – no mean feat on the league's biggest ground – and six fours enhanced his growing reputation as a batsman to fear.

He lost his wicket with his total on 49, caught at cover, but at least he had the consolation of winning the man-of-the-match award.

Crompton's disappointing batting settled the issue.

But Heywood were their own worst enemies, sending down 35 wides in Crompton's 40 extras – easily the biggest contribution to the total.

That was not enough to save Crompton, whose Wood Cup dream is over for another year.