Premier sides show their class

NORDEN will play Littleborough in the final of the JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup at Werneth on Sunday, August 3.

The two Rochdale area clubs reached the final of the CLL's flagship knock-out competition with victories at Unsworth and Heywood respectively.

Norden batted first at Unsworth and made 186 for nine, professional Daniel Salpietro hitting 73 and Alex Blake taking four for 31.

In reply, Unsworth were bowled out for 160. Pro Chris Williams top scored with 31, while Salpietro completed a fine all-round display with three for 30.

Littleborough made 284 for three at Crimble thanks to a superb 121 from paid man Clinton Perren, 75 by Chris Schofield and 58 from Gary Hulme.

Despite facing such a big total, Heywood almost made it.

They were finally bowled out for 279 in the 50th over, Bobby Cross scoring 73, deputy pro Jamie How 60 and Danny Pawson 48.

Schofield took three for 50 and ex-Royton pace bowler Matthew Hodson three for 54.