Werneth’s mission to stay on top

MAN IN FORM . . . Joe Taylor has been a key performer with the ball for Werneth.

CRICKET:

WERNETH face a huge test of their Lake Garage Central Lancashire League Championship promotion credentials this weekend.

After taking advantage of Royton’s inactivity by defeating Ashton last Sunday, Andy Walker’s men top the league. But staying there won’t be easy as the team heads to fourth-placed Radcliffe on Saturday, then hosts third-placed Crompton on Sunday.

Cricket chairman Walker said: “We’re pleased to be at the top of the table, of course, so now it’s a case of improving and we’ll get one of the two promotion places.

“A little bit of a gap is opening between the second and third places, so if we just keep getting those points on the board we’ll be okay.”

Walker was relieved his side scored a 27-run win at Ashton — a ground where Werneth victories have been scarce in recent years.

Walker added: “Ashton’s is a tough pitch to bat on, it’s really inconsistent. Ashton are something of a bogey side for us; they’ve turned us over quite a few times in recent seasons.”