Skipper salutes big Royton win

RUN-FEST . . . Royton's Ryan Carruthers shocked Walsden with a superb knock

SKIPPER James Maurice-Scott had an inkling an upset was on the cards.

That's according to Royton chairman Tony Spence after the Paddock club beat holders and reigning Premiership champions Walsden in the first round of the JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup.

Maurice-Scott led the Championship side to a stunning six-wicket victory in a run-fuelled duel at Scott Street.

Spence said: "It was a good effort, especially as our pro was out for a first-ball duck.

SMALL

"Although it's a small ground, it was still a tough ask chasing more than 270. Credit to James (Maurice-Scott), though, as he told me everyone was up for it for the game.

"It was a tremendous performance and I think we've beaten them three times in the last six years now in this competition.

"James Rawlinson and Joe Gale are good players (both scored centuries for Walsden), but it was our day, much to the delight of the Royton spectators."

The star of the show for visitors was undoubtedly Ryan Carruthers.

After Walsden had amassed 335 for eight, a rain interruption left Royton needing an adjusted target of 275 and they achieved those runs in the 36th over.

Coming into bat after the fall of paid man Chirag Khurana with only five runs on the board, Carruthers struck a magnificent 154, from only 77 balls, which included 11 fours and 13 sixes.

He shared in a second-wicket stand of 165 with elder brother Angus (46).

Joe Greaves (32 not out) and Chris Jewell (22 not out) also weighed in with useful knocks.

"Perhaps this will be our year in the Wood Cup," added Spence.

"We've reached 11 finals in the past, but haven't won any. It would be quite fitting if we did manage it as this could be the last one with all that is happening to the Pennine League

"It's Middleton next for us, which definitely won't be easy. They are top of the Championship and unbeaten.

"It's a challenge we're looking forward to and hopefully we can take another step further."