Oldham continue to struggle

OWZTHAT: Oldham batsman Humza Hussain survives an appeal from Ashton professional Syed Shah.

CRICKET:

CROMPTON are riding high in the Lake Garage CLL Championship after demolishing Radcliffe at the Racecourse on Sunday.

It was their second victory of the weekend, achieved in emphatic style. Taking first guard, Radcliffe were skittled for 47 after being 13 for seven at one stage.

Mel Austin (four for 11) and Marlon Black (three for seven) were the chief destroyers for Crompton, who reached their target for the loss of a single wicket.

Oldham's miserable start continued with a 158-runs defeat at Middleton, who took first guard and made 227 for seven thanks to Steve Davey’s 68 and George Walker’s 60.

Skipper Rashid Hussain took four for 68 for Oldham, but they were always under the cosh during their reply and were dismissed for 69.



Royton did not get the rub of the green as they slipped to a 32-runs loss at home to Norden in the Premier Division. Their bowlers did a marvellous job in restricting Norden to 136, professional Pieter Malan taking five for 40 and his opposite number Daniel Salpietro hitting 50.

But Royton could not chase down their small target, former Oldham professional Martin Smith snaffling five for 26 as the hosts were bowled out for 104.



Werneth are still without a win after losing heavily at home to Heywood for whom pro Farhaan Behardien scored 92, Danny Pawson 43 and Bobby Cross 42 in a total of 240 for five. Home pro Mohammed Zaman Khan took three for 82.

In reply, Werneth were bowled out for 129 despite 40 for overseas amateur Levi Thomson-Matthews and 32 from Zaid Tahir.

Former Royton spinner Joe Lovell returned fine figures of four for 13 and Humza Naeem took three for 29.