Skipper unable to halt Werneth slide
Reporter: KEITH MCHUGH
Date published: 03 July 2014
Photo: Tim Bradley
Werneth’s Rob Shaw hits out but is caught by Luke Stewart.
CRICKET: WERNETH’S Lake Garage CLL Premier Division status hangs by a thread following a shocking Sunday.
Not only did the division’s bottom club slump to a five-wicket derby defeat at the hands of Royton, but relegation rivals Clifton overcame Littleborough against all the odds.
Werneth have yet to win a league match and remain rock bottom of the top flight following a home defeat by a Royton side inspired by professional Pieter Malan.
Werneth were bowled out for a disappointing 139, which featured a knock of 41 from skipper Matthew Taylor.
Malan took four for 34, while young Royton spinner Callum Porteous virtually matched him with four for 35.
Royton reached their target for the loss of five wickets, Malan hitting an unbeaten 64 and Taylor collecting four for 54.
Clifton's win at home to Littleborough could hardly have been predicted after the visitors had posted 273 for four with pro Clinton Perren, on 154, hitting his second unbeaten century of the weekend.
But his opposite number, Thilina Masmulla, smashed 145 as Clifton raced to their target for the loss of only three wickets.
Yesterday’s second local derby was an even more one-sided affair. Crompton swatted aside Oldham at the Pollards to complete a 10-points weekend haul as the hosts capitulated for a second day in a row.
