Raining champs

TITLE WINNERS: Werneth’s victorious players celebrate with the Lake Garage CLL trophy. PICTURE by Paul Sterritt.

WERNETH have been crowned kings of the Lake Garage CLL Championship after a dismally wet weekend washed out the final 2013 fixtures.

Werneth, who led second-placed, fellow promoted side Royton by three points, were washed out after play at Oldham had initially been close to starting.

Royton also came close to starting at Crompton, but rain began and the game was called off at around 2pm, meaning Werneth officially became champions.

It wasn’t the ideal way to seal a first league title since World War II, but speaking ahead of a celebration yesterday afternoon, Werneth skipper Matt Taylor said he was “over the moon”.

He said: “It’s been a surreal day but despite the weather, I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve emerged as champions. I think over the course of the season we deserved it.

“Credit to Royton, they’ve stuck with us all season and kept it interesting until the final day, and at least they’re going up into the Premier Division with us so we can continue our rivalry next season.

Not a ball was bowled in either of the two CLL divisions yesterday.