Crompton keep alive T20 hopes

CLASSIC POSE: Royton batsman Khurram Hussain offers a full face of the bat against Werneth in the CLL T20 group match at the Paddock.

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CROMPTON kept alive their hopes of booking a place in the quarter-finals of the Lees Bitter Twenty20 Competition with a dramatic home victory over Walsden.

After taking first guard, Crompton – who lost their previous match to Littleborough – could make only 97 for seven despite 38 from professional Josh Tolley.

But in a thrilling finish, Walsden fell one run shot of Crompton's total for the loss of eight wickets.

Royton are all but through to the last eight after a second victory in their group.

After beating Ashton in their opening fixture, Royton made it two wins from two matches with an eight-runs defeat of neighbours Werneth.

Overseas amateur Luke Stewart hit 55 and professional Pieter Malan 39 as Royton racked up 137 for five.

In reply, Ali Muzaffer scored a quickfire 45, but Werneth were restricted to 129 for nine.

Oldham's qualification hopes suffered a knock when they lost by 22 runs at home to Ashton.

The visitors made 95 for eight, but Oldham – winners against Werneth in their first group game – could only reach 73 for nine in their response.