Oldham get off the mark in some style

Raphael Nasir sends down another accurate delivery

OLDHAM secured their first Lake Garage CLL Championship victory of the season in emphatic style.

Werneth were the visitors to the Pollards for a local derby and it was the hosts who secured a seven-wicket success.

Taking first guard, Werneth were bowled out for 148.

Fiaz Khan top scored with 36, while young spinner Hamza Hussain took four for 53, Rafeel Nasir and Aamir Bhatti both two for 16, and professional Aneeq Hassan two for 39.

Oldham cruised to their target for the loss of three wickets, Hassan leading the way with an unbeaten 52. Danish Ateeq provided fine support with 46 not out, while Abid Fazil chipped in with 30.

Crompton tightened their grip at the top and maintained their unbeaten record when they brushed aside Middleton at Glebe Street.

Paid man Ernest Kemm top scored with 53 as Middleton made 150 for eight off their 50 overs.

Remarkably, veteran Mel Whittle bowled unchanged throughout for his four for 62, while Sami Ullah took two wickets at a cost of 23 runs.

It was the Josh Tolley show in Crompton’s reply, the professional hitting an unbeaten 90 of their 151 for two.

Premier Division action saw Royton play well at Walsden, only to go down by four wickets.

Batting first, Royton made 198 for seven, thanks mainly to pro Geeth Alwis’s 58 and useful contributions from Matt Smith (32) and Callum Porteous (26).

Rain delays meant Walsden were left chasing a reduced target in 45 overs and they secured victory with 183 for six.

Jake Hooson was their hero with 73 not out, Nick Barker scored 37 and Alwis took four for 46.

Results –

Premier Division: Littleborough 74 Harmer 5-13), Monton and Weaste 195 (Z Khan 4-30); Norden 252-4, Heywood 181; Walsden 183-6 (Hooson 73 n.o., Alwis 4-46), Royton 198-7 (Alwis 58, Smith 32) Walsden 4 pts.

Championship: Ashton v Radcliffe, Radcliffe won 5 pts, Crompton 151-2 (Tolley 90 n.o.), Middleton 150-8 (Kemm 53, Whittle 4-62, Ullah 2-23); Elton 191 (Farley 58, Mahlangu 55, Wilkinson 4-60, Price 4-50), Milnrow 184-1 (Price 128 n.o.) Milnrow 5pts; Oldham 152-3 (Hassan 52 n.o., Ateeq 46 n.o.), Werneth 148 (F Khan 36, H Hussain 4-53).