Play it again

Lake Garage CLL by KEITH McHUGH

GIVEN a huge lift by their first Lake Garage CLL Premier Division victory of the season at Heywood, the trick for Werneth now is to back it up.

And tomorrow’s visit of Rochdale gives them every chance to do so.

Fifth-placed Rochdale have not been in the best of form in recent weeks and, with confidence bolstered, Werneth could cash in and close the gap on second-from-bottom Clifton, who host leaders Walsden.

Third-last Royton must be glancing anxiously over their shoulders at the two teams below them.

They will be desperate to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle, so victory over Heywood at the Paddock tomorrow would provide some welcome respite.

Crompton are the Championship’s in-form team, winning their last three games for the total loss of just two wickets.

Those wins have rekindled hopes of a promotion push, and tomorrow Simon Wright’s men have the chance to show just how much they have improved of late.

Crompton visit Unworth, the scene of heavy defeats in both league and Wood Cup.

Oldham suffered last-ball agony at the hands of Middleton last weekend, but they go to Ashton tomorrow knowing that a repeat of that display would give them every chance of prevailing against their fellow strugglers.

THREE of the Twenty20 quarter-finals will be held tonight, weather permitting, following last Friday’s wash-out.

Royton play host to Monton and Weaste and Crompton go to Norden, but Werneth’s game at Littleborough will be held next Wednesday. The club’s 150th anniverary dinner is being held tonight.

Fixtures are —

TONIGHT

Twenty20: Norden v Crompton; Unsworth v Rochdale; Royton v Monton and Weaste.

TOMORROW

Premier Division: Clifton v Walsden; Littleborough v Norden; Royton v Heywood; Werneth v Rochdale.

Championship: Ashton v Oldham; Middleton v Milnrow; Radcliffe v Monton and Weaste; Unsworth v Crompton.