Sweet and sour for skipper

Denny Hulme

CRICKET:

IF you had offered Royton skipper Denny Hulme six points from their weekend Lake Garage CLL Premier Division fixtures against Heywood and Norden, I suspect he would have snatched your hand off.

Both opponents have been regular silverware winners in recent seasons and Royton were outsiders to win the games.

Saturday’s game at Crimble produced a three-wicket success for the visitors, but it was far more comfortable than that after they had bowled out Heywood for a meagre 105. Only professional Farhaan Behardian and Bobby Cross got into the 20s as Royton ripped through what is traditionally a strong batting side.

Though Royton lost seven wickets in their run chase, they were never in serious trouble of squandering their chance.

Said Hulme: “I never thought we were in any danger. The bowlers did a great job and it was a really good win.”

Sunday’s home showdown against Norden - preceded by a minute’s silence for club veteran Trevor Lewis - left Hulme feeling his team had been unlucky with umpiring decisions.

After professional Pieter Malan took five for 40 in a Norden total of 136, Royton had three batsman - Khurram Hussain, Malan and Alan Durose - given out leg before wicket.

“We thought one or two were harsh,” said Hulme. “It was very frustrating as we did so well to bowl out such a strong line-up so cheaply. It was a game we deserved to win.”