Local sides dominate promotion push

PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT: Joe Taylor has impressed with bat and ball for Werneth this season.

CRICKET:

THERE were those who were dubious about the formation of a two-division Lake Garage CLL.

But the new format seems to have been greeted with approval in most quarters.

Three of our local clubs are enjoying life in the second tier (Championship). Royton, Werneth and Crompton sit one, two and three in the division and are in prime position to push for promotion to the Premier division.

Two places among the league’s elite are available and Royton is currently leading by a single point over Werneth, with improving Crompton five points behind.

Oldham are seventh of eight, but only six points behind Crompton to whom they lost at the Pollards on Sunday.

The top three clubs in the Championship have strengthened their teams following disappointing 2012 campaigns.

Royton lost skipper Alan Durose but the return of overseas amateur Chris Hutchinson and introduction of new pro Ben Dunk have had a big effect.

Werneth have been under-achieving in recent seasons, but there are strong signs that such disappointments are a thing of the past.

Crompton have won their last three league matches to beat the weather and already look the main danger to the top two.

If Oldham can get their act together we might have our four local clubs dominating the CLL Championship come the season’s run-in. Now that would be something!



FORMER Oldham captain Zafar Jatoi is back in the CLL, having signed for Crompton.

The opener, who has played a handful of games for Lancashire County League side Thornham this season, has gone straight into Carl Taylor’s XI for Sunday’s fixture at home to Unsworth.