Mighty Mel’s great return

Photo: Paul Sterritt

PAIN GAME: for Crompton fieldsman Stephen Wright, who takes a fine catch to remove Ashton’s Brad Woolley.

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CRICKET: MEL Whittle rolled back the years as he led Crompton to victory at his old stomping ground.

The Pollards holds many great memories for the veteran bowler and he added another precious jewel to his collection with an eight for 33 haul yesterday.

Chasing Championship leaders Crompton’s 186 for nine, Oldham were skittled for 79 as Whittle ran amok.

Earlier, Crompton had to battle for their runs on a tricky track, Andy Yates scoring 53 and skipper Simon Wright 32.

Heyside’s winning run came to an abrupt end at home to Middleton, who rattled up 294 for nine after taking first guard at Little Hey Street. Profesional Ernest Kemm led the way with 76. The score proved beyond Heyside, who were bowled out for 194 despite Mark Barnes’ unbeaten 46.

Werneth followed up their previous day's batting excellence with another 200-plus total against Milnrow at the Coppice.

Professional Ali Muzaffer cracked 139 not out as Werneth first made 241. But 104 from James Price and unbeaten knocks of 45 and 37 from Max Power and Steve Dryden steered Milnrow to victory for the loss of only three wickets.

Royton produced a horror show at home to Heywood in the Premier Division. The visitors took first guard and rattled up 288 for two, Bobby Cross hitting 94, paid man Robert Nichol 74 not out and skipper Danny Pawson an unbeaten 71 off only 32 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.

There was clearly nothing wrong with the wicket, yet Royton capitulated in their reply to 87 all out, Simon Dawson taking five for 27 and Pawson three for 30.

Callum Porteous top scored with 31, but there was no way back from 28 for six.

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC