Taylor needs to rally his troops

Matthew Taylor

CRICKET: FROM the moment Joe Taylor suffered a season-ending thumb injury on the opening day, little has gone right for Werneth in the Lake Garage CLL.

Without a win in the Premier Division, they must have thought their fortunes were about to turn when they made 240 for four in the John Willie Lees Wood Cup at Monton and Weaste on Sunday.

But in 43 overs their hopes lay in ruins. Monton, with professional Christiaan Jonker and Ryan Sandham outstanding, raced to their target with ease.

Werneth skipper Matt Taylor must instil some confidence into his battle-scarred troops, starting with tomorrow’s home game against Clifton.

The visitors also suffered a Wood Cup KO last weekend when Royton, and centurion Liam Mason, in

particular, did the damage. Mason will aiming for more of the same when he and his team-mates travel to reigning champions Walsden.

There is a full programme in the Premier Division tomorrow as five of the teams are in LCB Cup action the following day.

But the Championship fixtures will take place on Sunday when Oldham host Unsworth and Crompton travel to Milnrow.

The former should be in good spirits following their narrow cup victory over Ashton.

But Crompton’s bowlers need to find more penetration than they did in defeat at Unsworth.