Merger talks to continue

CRICKET:  

A MERGER between the Central Lancashire League and the Saddleworth and District Cricket League has moved a step closer.

Club officials from the CLL gave their support to a possible link-up following the Saddleworth League’s mandate to executive committee members to continue talks.

Hierarchy from the CLL and Saddleworth League will hold a second round of talks at Austerlands’ Thorpe Lane ground tomorrow (8pm).

Negotiations on an amalgamation have come about with the threat of both competitions losing clubs to the new Greater Manchester league, which starts in 2016.



DELPH succumbed by two wickets against Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership basement boys Moorlands.

Third man in Greg Buckley was dismissed two runs short of a century – he smashed nine sixes and six fours in his 96-ball stay – and Graeme Simpson made 45 in the home side's 206. Moorlands were 124 for seven in reply – Andrew Cadd claimed a double-wicket maiden – but rallied to reach their target with two-and-half overs to spare.



WOODHOUSES are still without a win in the Greene King Lancashire County League. The Belfields club were dismissed for 89, while opponents Denton made 90 for nine to claim all five points.