Destroyer Dunk back in business

Photo: Chris Sunderland

FULL STRETCH . . . Royton batsman Ali Muzaffer, who made an unbeaten 77, survives a run-out scare.

BEN Dunk smashed his fourth century of the Lake Garage CLL season as Royton strengthened their promotion claims with a convincing Championship victory over Ashton at Reyner Lane.
On a day when five tons were hit in the two divisions of the league, Dunk's was the best numerically.

His terrific 154 in a Royton total of 347 for nine included 25 fours and came off only 96 deliveries.

Dunk was given fine support by his fellow Australian Chris Hutchinson (50) and opening batsman Liam Mason (55), while Ashton professional Naweed Ghany took five for 112.

Facing such a daunting target, Ashton would have been forgiven for folding, but they reached 238 before losing their final wicket — the excellent Ghany hitting an unbeaten 94, Adam Good taking five for 53 and Tony Walsh four for 41.


WERNETH continue to look unstoppable at the top of the table; Mohammed Zaman Khan maintained his fine form with 82 in his team's 298 for three against Monton and Weaste at the Coppice.
Ali Muzaffer also remains in great nick, his unbeaten 77 adding momentum to the innings.

And John Slater will also have been heartened by his knock of 58 in Werneth's huge total.

Monton were never in the hunt when they batted despite Josh Lenihan's well-composed 55.

They were bowled out for 184 on a pitch which encouraged spin, Andy Walker taking five for 65 and Muzaffer three for 35.


CROMPTON yielded ground to Royton in the race for promotion to the Premier Division when they lost by six wickets at Unsworth.
Professional Michael Pote hit 67 and Darren Graham 44 as Crompton made 205 for nine after taking first guard.

But that useful total was chased down by Unsworth, who made 208 for four thanks to John Wiggans' 61 and an unbeaten 39 from professional Chris Williams.

There were four centurions as bowlers toiled in the heat in the Premier Division.

They were Ben Chapman (Clifton, 103), Chris Schofield (Littleborough, 114), Babar Naeem (Milnrow, 138 not out) and Shaw-based Scott Stanworth (Middleton, 117).