Lowly Oldham in urgent need of victory tonic

CRICKET:OLDHAM need character and strength to bounce back from their mauling at Milnrow.

Ladyhouse professional James Price smashed a whirlwind 233 as Milnrow amassed 454 for four on their way to a maximum-points success.

Bottom of the Championship, Oldham are in urgent need of points to avoid the wooden spoon. But tomorrow’s visitors, Middleton, are unlikely to be in a charitable mood, given their ambition to win a place in next season’s Pennine League top flight. Currently second, Middleton need only maintain their position to secure promotion.

Leaders Crompton have title ambitions and will aim to strengthen their grip with victory at Ashton.

Werneth have a tough home fixture against Radcliffe, while Heyside have a date with the aforementioned Price — who needs another 44 runs for his 1,000 for the season — at Little Hey Street.

Royton had an open date last weekend, and tomorrow’s visit of Unsworth gives Denny Hulme’s men the chance to lay a platform for an end-of-season renaissance in the Premier Division.

Matches start at 1.15pm.