Crompton skipper has Royton in his sights

CRICKET:

CROMPTON are closing in on Royton in their bid for promotion to the Lake Garage CLL Premier Division.

Though the Glebe Street outfit currently trails second-placed Royton by eight points in the Championship, it has momentum on its side.

Runaway leaders Werneth look certain to win the title, but two sides will be promoted and Crompton have that second spot in their sights.

And skipper Carl Taylor, with perhaps just a hint of mischief, reckons it could all go down to the final game of the season when Crompton host Royton.

“Can you imagine what it would be like if there were only three or four points between the sides?”

Before that possible scenario, Crompton must build on their welcome recent triumphs.

“Apart from getting thrashed by Werneth, we have been in good form,” said Taylor.

“We batted much better against Ashton on Saturday. We built quite a few partnerships and it was good to see the pro (Michael Pote) make 70-odd, and Steven Wright and Zafar Jatoi got runs too.”

Taylor’s bowling displays have been instrumental in Crompton’s recent successes, seven and eight-wicket hauls helping the team to maximum points.

“It’s all about confidence,” he said. “We have to concentrate on our own performances and see where that takes us.

“We have to play Royton twice, including on the final day of the season, so it is still in our own hands.”



ROYTON’S Callum Porteous, Khurram Hussain and Chris Jewell are in the CLL colts team which will take on their Ribblesdale League counterparts at Monton and Weaste on Sunday (1.30pm).

Sunday also sees the annual second XI friendly against the Bolton League. Kearsley CC is the venue; the match starts at 1.30pm.