A grand day out for deadly Dunk

CRICKET:

BEN Dunk crashed through the 1,000-run barrier and broke Oldham’s spirit with yet another sensational knock at the Paddock on Saturday.

Royton’s Aussie pro reached three figures for the fifth time this season – and wasn’t even happy with that. The landmark pushed him to greater heroics as he raced to 192 off only 102 balls in a Royton total of 406 for six from 50 overs. Dunk’s onslaught included 20 fours and seven sixes and made a mockery of the Oldham bowling figures.

Dunk deservedly grabbed the headlines, but that should not take away from the efforts of young Khurram Hussain. Promoted to the top of the order on his return to the first team, he hit an excellent 74 from only 61 balls with nine fours and two sixes. Liam Brown joined the run spree with 51 from 58 balls as Royton recorded their biggest total for many years.

Oldham had no hope of getting anywhere near their target, but didn’t capitulate. They were bowled out for 199 as Royton picked up five points in their push for promotion to the premier division.

Opener Rana Ahmed’s 50 was the only other contribution of note from Oldham, while Dunk completed a fine all-round display with three for 41 and two catches.

Ben Ingham was also among the wickets for Royton, collecting four for 50.



WERNETH’S relentless march to the title continues unchecked after another convincing victory on Saturday. Radcliffe were the victims and it was the ever-impressive Ali Muzaffer who produced another match-winning innings.

His 99 out of a total of 198 was crucial to the Werneth cause as Michael Burns (four for 38) and Matthew Smalley (four for 69) worked their way through the Werneth batting line-up.

Werneth's score looked vulnerable but Radcliffe got nowhere near their target, finally succumbing for 125 as leg spinner Andy Walker collected five for 26.



CROMPTON were hoping for the top two to slip-up, but that failed to materialise so it was vital they didn’t lose ground at Monton and Weaste.

And they did their bit in style thanks to an excellent 110 from Sam Cheshire in their formidable score of 272 for eight.

Furqan Shafiq hit 55 and Ali Nawaz 50, but Monton and Weaste were bowled out for 217, giving the visitors maximum points.



SHANE Dietz has replaced Naweed Ghany as professional at Ashton. The Sri Lankan went home abruptly last week, but Australian Dietz, here on an extended holiday, agreed to fill the breach.



THUNDERSTORMS wrecked yesterday’s Lake Garage CLL programme.

In the Championship, leaders Werneth were 88 for three at Crompton when play was halted. Skipper Matt Taylor was unbeaten on 61.

Oldham were 47 for six at home to Monton and Weaste for whom professional Paul Green took four for 18.

Royton’s game at Unsworth was cancelled.