Local teams fail to ignite

CONTRIBUTION IN VAIN: Zaman Khan (with the bat) took three wickets and scored 62

CRICKET: 

THEY started the season with so much optimism, but for our four local CLL clubs the current campaign has become one of frustration and struggle.

Werneth, promoted as champions to the Premier Division, have yet to win a league match and Royton, who reached the top flight as runners-up, have also failed to meet expectations.

But there is time to turn things round and both clubs will have an eye on Sunday’s derby clash at the Coppice.

If Werneth have any hope of surviving in the top flight, they must win the game - and preferably also their match at Littleborough 24 hours earlier.

On paper Royton have a slightly easier task against Rochdale at the Paddock on Saturday, but Denny Hulme’s men are in a bit of a rut and need a spark from somewhere.

The same, depressingly, must be said of Crompton, packed with quality players but seemingly unable to use them effectively.

Simon Wright’s men were blitzed by Milnrow last weekend, but at least this weekend’s fixtures at home to Ashton and away to Oldham offer hope of a decent points haul.

That said, Oldham punched above their weight in Sunday’s excellent Wood Cup display at Norden and should take confidence into this weekend, starting with Milnrow at home on Saturday.



CROMPTON’S second team have reached the last four of the CLL’s Burton Cup, where they will meet Norden.

The Glebe Street outfit booked their semi-final berth with a comprehensive, 150-run victory over Rochdale.

Batting first at Redbrook, Crompton amassed a daunting 254 for seven. Darren Graham made 49, while other useful

contributions came from James Allott (42 not out), Glen Rigby (30) and Mo Sultan (26).

The hosts crashed to 104 all out in reply, with Rick Pertoldi recording excellent figures of five for 13 from 4.1 overs.

Shafiq Ali, who opened the bowling for Crompton, took three for 31 in his 10-over spell.