Top-flight promotion for Royton

Photo: Chris Sunderland

Shaw wicketkeeper Phil Taylor takes the ball as Stayley batsman Steve Bird plays and misses.

CRICKET ROYTON clinched promotion to the Lake Garage CLL Premier Division for 2014 with a 28-run victory at Monton and Weaste on Saturday.

And their hopes of going up as champions were given a huge lift when big rivals Werneth suffered a shock defeat at Unsworth.

Oldham look destined for the Championship wooden spoon after losing at home to second-from-bottom Ashton, while Crompton — inspired by overseas amateur Denis Louis — were much too strong for Radcliffe.

But pride of place went to Royton, who booked top-flight cricket for next summer with a hard-fought win against tough opposition.

Leaders Werneth looked to be continuing on their merry way at Unsworth when they dismissed their hosts for 116. But they found it tough going on a difficult wicket and were bowled out for 111 despite professional Mohammed Zaman Khan’s 40. Home pro Chris Williams took a match-winning six for 57.


CROMPTON remain in third place after beating Radcliffe by 107 runs at Glebe Street.
Louis hit his second century of the season — 102 this time — as Crompton racked up 236 for three. Andy Yates scored 63.

Radcliffe were then skittled for 129 as home skipper Carl Taylor continued his devastating bowling form with seven for 26. Alex Blake was unbeaten on 47.


OLDHAM lost by eight wickets at home to fellow strugglers Ashton.
Paid man Mohammed Siddique hit 33 in Oldham’s 139 all out, Kamran Yousaf taking four for 25.

And Ashton finished the job by reaching 142 for two thanks to pro Shane Dietz’s 54 and 52 from Imran Yousaf.