Aussie smashes brilliant 146 in massive total

ROYTON professional Ben Dunk.

CRICKET:

ROYTON professional Ben Dunk treated the Paddock crowd to fireworks as the Lake Garage CLL Championship leaders blew away derby rivals Crompton.

The Aussie smashed a sensational 146 off only 82 balls in Royton's massive 325 for eight after taking first guard. It was his third century of an already-productive season.

Dunk's whirlwind knock included 14 fours and sevens sixes, and he shared a second-wicket stand of 119 with opening batsman Liam Mason who hit an excellent 81 from 94 balls, including 12 fours and a six.

The Crompton bowlers were treated with disdain and though there were three wickets apiece for skipper Carl Taylor and overseas amateur Denis Louis, their contributions cost them a combined total of 154 runs off 19 overs.

Crompton knew they had to take chances to clinch a batting bonus point. Their anxiety led to the loss of early wickets. The game was virtually up with the Glebe Street men on 24 for three and having lost skipper Taylor, overseas amateur Louis and professional Michael Pote.

Crompton eventually succumbed to 139 all out despite Glenn Rigby's unbeaten 35 and Steven Wright's 36.

Although this was very much the Ben Dunk show, Royton's all-round display was efficient and conclusive. Crompton had no answer and have a mountain to climb if they are to clinch promotion.



Promotion is coming closer for WERNETH, who were too strong for Oldham in another derby match at the Coppice.

Oldham were bowled out for 109 despite an unbeaten 57 from professional Siddique Mohammed.

Key spinner Rash Khan took five for 20 and Joe Taylor three for 30 as Oldham's batsmen failed to give any meaningful support.

Such a low total was never going to pose too many problems for Werneth, who reached their target with the loss of only three wickets.

Werneth took maximum points to stay on the heels of Royton - and more signifcantly widened the gap to third-placed Radcliffe, who lost at home.