Exciting times in store

LUKE PROCTER: Praise from Royton captain.

AS the Lake Garage CLL season reaches its midway point, it is a perfect opportunity to take stock of events so far.

And, after an absorbing first half, it has the makings of one of the most exciting title races for many years, with only seven points separating the top six teams.

It has been a season of surprises. Who would have imagined reigning champions Rochdale, Littleborough and Middleton — three of the league’s most prestigious clubs — languishing in the bottom half of the table?

What is heartening for local enthusiasts is that Crompton, Royton and Oldham all occupy top-half spots. Fourth-placed Crompton are only two points adrift of joint leaders Heywood and Radcliffe.

Crompton will be trying to sustain their championship challenge at home to Clifton tomorrow and at Walsden on Sunday — seven days before they meet again in the second round of the John Willie Lees Wood Cup.

They will be on a high after winning at Rochdale before destroying Milnrow in the Wood Cup when they amassed 320 for five.

Crompton captain Simon Wright said: “I would have settled for this start in April. I only hope we can carry it on.”

You cannot discount Royton out of the title race. They are fifth and only seven points off top spot.

They have a great chance to narrow the gap on the leaders when they visit bottom club Ashton tomorrow. They have a tougher assignment on Sunday when they plays host to Monton & Weaste, although they do have home advantage.

Captain Guy Lovell declared himself happy with his side’s overall performances.

He said: “Hopefully we can do as well in the second half of the season. We have to keep battling and learning from our mistakes.”

Lovell is delighted with the form of professional Luke Procter, overseas amateur Simon Harmer and Paul Hughes.

The skipper still sees scope for improvement, especially from the top three batsmen, who need to build big scores after getting out too frequently in their 20s.

Oldham, who are on the fringes of the leading pack, also have an opportunity to make up ground as they play two lowly teams this weekend — Milnrow at home tomorrow and Werneth away on Sunday.

After finishing second bottom last season, the Pollards outfit are showing a marked improvement.

“We have done much better and have a well balanced side,” declared captain Mel Whittle. “With more of the rub of the green we could have been in an even stronger position.”

Werneth will be looking to continue their climb up the table after they hoisted themselves off bottom spot last weekend.

They are at Radcliffe tomorrow before hosting Oldham on Sunday.

Coppice captain Andy Walker has revealed the secret of the improved form — winning the toss.

He said: “I have won the toss only three times this season and those are the only three games we have won.

“Two of them were last weekend and it is strange how little things like that can make a difference.

“They were three important tosses to win in terms of pitches and conditions.”

The John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition sees its group phase completed tonight (start 6.15pm).