Dale sets sights on cup-final high

DALE Highton is hoping to extinguish the painful memories of last season when Rochdale suffered the agony of a five-run loss in the final against Walsden.

The 29-year-old has also enjoyed the highs, being on winning side when Middleton won consecutive Wood Cups in 2011 and 2012.

Highton spent his formative years at Crompton, he was playing first-team cricket at 14, before moving on to Towncroft and then Rochdale.

The left-arm spinner said: "I only live two minutes from Crompton's ground. I know the people there and the place really well, it has played a big part in my life.

"I've spoken to Si (Wright) about the final. I've played in finals before, but this is Si's first, so for him it will be a whole new experience.

"We get on well, but after the toss we've got a job to do."

Highton, in his first year as captain at Redbrook, played a pivotal role in the last-four defeat of Royton.

Bowling in tandem with spin-twin Ollie Makin, they picked up six wickets between them to set Rochdale on the path to a comfortable seven-wicket success.

Looking ahead to the big day, Highton said: "We all know what is at stake and we can't wait.

"It's a big day for everyone from both clubs, players, officials and spectators."