Royton in mood for cup heroics

CELEBRATION TIME... Royton skipper Alan Durose will hope to inspire his team to glory on Sunday.

ROYTON and their rookie captain Alan Durose have the chance to write a glorious new chapter in the club’s history.

Blessed with so many top players down the years, Royton have somehow been starved of Wood Cup success.

But this year’s renewal of the CLL’s flagship competition has presented them with every chance of putting the record straight and banishing the memory of defeats in the final in 1985 and 1987.

Having seen off runaway league leaders Norden in the last eight, Royton find themselves with home advantage in Sunday’s semi-final against Walsden.

Should they be successful, a final against Middleton or Clifton at Monton and Weaste awaits.

The chance of a first Wood Cup success is clearly there for Royton.

And Durose, who joined the club and took over the captaincy this season, is relishing the prospect.

“It’s great for myself, the players and the club, but particularly the spectators who have given us such fantastic support,” he said.

“The ground was packed when we played Norden and I am sure it will be the same again on Sunday.”

Royton go into the game in fine form. A home league defeat at the hands of Norden has been the only recent blemish and Durose is full of praise for his players.

“We have a young team, whose attitude has been fantastic and who deserve what they have achieved.

“They have a never-say-die attitude and that has helped us to take the next step in winning close games.

“There have been some great players at this club, yet Royton have never won the competition.

“The history of the Wood Cup and what it means makes this a massive opportunity for us and the key on Sunday will be to play with our usual good spirit, but also to stay calm and, most of all, enjoy the game.”

With Luke Procter on duty for Lancashire, New Zealand Test batsman Jamie How will be the deputy professional for Royton.

And Walsden have also had to turn to a stand-in pro as Duminda Perera has pulled a hamstring.

South African batsman Ghulam Bodi, the former Todmorden professional who has represented his country at under-19, Twenty20 and ODI levels, is their choice and it will be interesting to see how he fares against his Kiwi counterpart.

Added Durose: “Obviously we will be looking at their stand-in pro and also Matthew Dawson, who has played for Cheshire and is a capable wicketkeeper/batsman.

“If we can get them cheaply, we will be halfway there.”

Royton warm up for the semi-final with a home game against Milnrow tomorrow.

Oldham, fresh from Sunday’s convincing derby victory over Werneth, will be hoping for more of the same at home to Monton and Weaste, while their vanquished opponents need to bounce back at Rochdale.

And Crompton, sharing bottom spot with Ashton, must do everything right if they are to trouble pacesetting Norden at Woodhouse Lane.