Top two homing in on promotion goal

GOING FOR THE SWEEP . . . Royton’s Denny Hulme.

CRICKET:

WERNETH and Royton will surely be playing Premier Division cricket in the Lake Garage CLL next season.

Both clubs won their derby matches on Saturday to consolidate their strong positions in the Championship.

Leader and champions-elect Werneth crushed troubled Oldham at the Paddock, professional Mohammed Zaman Khan smashing an unbeaten 221 of 419 for three.

Oldham were bowled out for 162 as the hosts registered a 257-run victory.

Second-placed Royton were much too strong for a Crompton team still harbouring designs on their hosts' runners-up spot. The Paddock men racked up an imposing 253 for nine.

Crompton were bowled out for 158 as young Callum Porteous took five for 44.

Werneth totally outclassed an Oldham side who shipped over 400 runs in their previous game against Royton. Zaman Khan was irresistible against friendly bowling, bludgeoning his way past 200 and getting excellent support from John Slater on 127.

In-form Aliz Muzaffer chipped in with 40 as Oldham's fielders were given the runaround.

Oldham had no chance of chasing down such a target and were bowled out for 162 despite Rauf Qayyum's well-compiled 79.

Home skipper Matt Taylor did most of the damage with five for 60.

Royton extended their advantage over Crompton to 18 points with a throroughly professional display.

Taking first guard, they reached their total thanks to another fine knock from promising youngster Khurram Hussain, who made 62.

Skipper Denny Hulme has not been called upon too often with the bat this season, but he was needed here and responded with a timely unbeaten 58. Adam Good also chipped in with a valuable 45.

Crompton pro Michael Pote took four for 62 and Danny Taylor four for 99.

Despite a knock of 34 from Sam Cheshire, Crompton never got to grips with their task of chasing down a big score and were bowled out 95 runs short of their target.

Porteous was the star with the ball for Royton, and overseas amateur Chris Hutchinson chipped in with three for 29.