Tricky first test for Werneth

CRICKET: FOR the first time in CLL history, our four local clubs will not all be playing in the same division this season.

Sunday’s start of the new season will feature Werneth and Royton in the Premier Division and Crompton and Oldham, in the Championship.

Werneth were promoted to the top flight as champions last term, and will start their campaign with a tough-looking home fixture against Norden.

Royton, runners-up in the Championship last summer, travel to a Clifton side particularly effective at home.

Crompton have high hopes of securing promotion this season with a clutch of ex-Bamford Fieldhouse

players in their ranks. They go to Towncroft to take on a Middleton side relegated last season.

Oldham, who finished bottom in 2013, hope to do much better this time and go to Monton and Weaste for their first fixture.

SUNDAY (1pm) — Premier Division: Clifton v Royton; Littleborough v Heywood; Rochdale v Walsden; Werneth v Norden.

Championship: Ashton v Unsworth; Middleton v Crompton; Monton and Weaste v Oldham; Radcliffe v Milnrow.