Century hero Carruthers lifts Royton

Photo: Paul Sterritt

MOORSIDE bowler Jamie Taylor strives for a wicket.

THANKFULLY, the rain held off sufficiently enough for all JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup first round clashes to reach a conclusion.

The major run-fest of the day came at reigning Premiership champions and holders Walsden, who must have fancied their chances against Royton after amassing 335 for eight.

James Rawlinson and Joe Gale were the ton-up heroes, scoring 146 and 103 respectively.

However, Championship side Royton secured victory in the end, reaching their adjusted target - 278 - for the loss of just four wickets.

Ryan Carruthers was the Paddock club's star performer, smashing a breathtaking 154 off just 77 balls.

Greenfield disposed of Heyside with few scares after they racked up 317 after taking first knock.

Alex Peters hit 63 and overseas amateur Armand Krugel a nifty 88.

Heyside could only reach 136 for nine in their reply as Michael Bird took four wickets for 46 runs.

Austerlands prevailed in a reduced-overs tie at Milnrow.

REACHED

Steve Dryden top scored with 37 in the hosts' 173 for eight.

However, Austerlands reached their 146 target for the loss of just four wickets as professional Shanuka Dulaj hit 53 and Adam Young remained unbeaten on 26.

Crompton got the better of Saddleworth, who batted first and scored 266 for eight, with Brian Lord making 93.

Rain meant Crompton were required to chase 222 in their reply, and they got home with two wickets to spare.

Stephen Wright struck a superb 103 not out.

Paid man Rehan Rafique scored a smart 67 for Glodwick as they registered 224 all out against Littleborough.

It wasn't enough, however, as the visitors won with two wickets to spare. Ryan Miskella compiled 73 in reply.

Pro Chris Williams hit 132 and Grant Jones 67 as Middleton put 297 for six on the board at Championship rivals Moorside.

The Turf Pit Lane club, with paid man Gerrie Synman making 50, were limited to 207 for nine in reply.

Elsewhere, there were victories for last year's beaten finalists Rochdale at Shaw, and Monton and Weaste at Norden.

Wood Cup first round scores -

Walsden 335-8 (J Rawlinson 146, J Gale 103), Royton 278-4 (R Carruthers 154, A Carruthers 46) - revised target; Glodwick 224 (R Rafiq 67, M Whitehead 56 n.o), Littleborough 225-8 (R Burt 53, R Miskella 73); Shaw 90 (O Makin 5-14), Rochdale 94-2; Greenfield 317 (A Peters 63, A Krugel 88, M Bird 4-46), Heyside 136-9; Milnrow 173-8 (S Dryden 37), Austerlands 146-4 (S Dulaj 53, A Young 26 n.o) - revised target; Saddleworth 266-8 (B Lord 93), Crompton 222-8 (Ste Wright 103 n.o) - revised target; Norden 159 (J Tolley 51), Monton and Weaste 152-4 (J Sandham 37 n.o) - revised target; Middleton 297-6, C Williams 132, G Jones 67), Morrside 207-9 (G Snyman 50).

Latest draws -

Wood Cup, round two: Rochdale v Monton & Weaste; Crompton v Austerlands; Middleton v Royton; Littleborough v Greenfield.

Ties to be played Saturday, June 24.

Tanner Cup round one: Uppermill v Stayley; Norden v Ashton; Milnrow v Micklehurst; Shaw v Hollinwood; Friarmere v Oldham; Moorside v Werneth; Walsden v Saddleworth; Heyside v Glodwick.

Ties to be played, Saturday, June 10.

Burton Cup, round two: Middleton v Walsden; Friarmere v Norden; Crompton v Greenfield; Littleborough v Rochdale.

Ties to be played, Saturday, June 24.

Moore Cup, round on: Werneth v Moorside; Oldham v Shaw; Stayley v Heyside; Micklehurst v Uppermill; Austerlands v Milnrow; Monton & Weaste v Saddleworth; Royton v Ashton; Glodwick v Hollinwood.

Ties to be played, June 10.

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