Durose dash in vain as Royton lose

DEFEATED: Royton batsman Khurram Hussain is beaten by a delivery

THE sun may have shone mostly brightly, but it was nothing but black clouds for our four local teams in the Lake Garage CLL yesterday.

Royton and Werneth both slumped to defeat in the Premier Division, while Crompton and Oldham were soundly beaten in the Championship.

Hopes were high for Royton after their opening-day win at Clifton, but they found Littleborough a totally different proposition at the Paddock. Despite Alan Durose’s 52 - which featured three sixes -Royton were bowled out for 150 as visiting profesional Clinton Perren returned five for 16.

That score proved to be well within Boro’s compass, Chris Schofield leading the way with an unbeaten 67 as the visitors won with four wickets to spare.

Werneth suffered an eight-wicket defeat at champions Walsden. After taking first guard, a mid-innings collapse saw Werneth slump to 124 all out.

That was never going to test Walsden’s powerful batting line-up and the hosts raced to 125 for two, James Rawlinson leading the way with a rapid 87.

Crompton were in confident mood after beating Middleton on the first day of the new season, but they were brought to earth with a bang at home to Monton and Weaste. Professional Christiaan Jonker was their destroyer with six wickets for 22 as Crompton were skittled for only 108.

Monton lost five wickets, but Jake Sandham’s 47 steadied the boat despite a four for 30 haul from Carl Taylor.

Oldham were soundly beaten by Radcliffe at the Pollards. Martin Coates (108) made the first senior century of his cricketing career and Chris Berry 52 as Radcliffe raced to 241 for six.

Oldham were never in the hunt when it was their turn to bat and they succumbed tamely to 83 all out, Faisal Ali collecting five for 41.