Crompton march towards title

CRICKET: THE Invincibles are showing no signs of slacking.

Crompton remained unbeaten in the Lake Garage CLL Championship with victory in Saturday’s derby at Heyside - and the manner of their success suggested the possibility of an entire season without defeat.

Heyside were in decent form going into Saturday’s showdown, but were bowled out for 125.

Chief architect of their demise was evergreen Mel Whittle, who took six for 42 from his 19 overs of excellence. Danny Taylor also bowled unchanged for his four for 80.

Crompton are playing aggressively this year and were in no mood to hang around in their run chase.

Profesional Josh Tolley maintained his superb consistency with 69, while Andy Yates was 33 not out and Denis Louis 22 as Crompton reached their target in only 17.2 overs for the loss of a single wicket.

In the same division, Werneth were unlucky to lose a thriller at home to second-placed Middleton.

The hosts made 145 all out after batting first, professional Aliz Muzaffer top scoring with 42 and Ali Umar hitting a useful, unbeaten 22.

Middleton pro Ernest Kemm, who is having a good time of it at present, took four for 46 and Gareth Huges three for 49. Middleton would have expected to chase down their target with ease, but it was anything but easy for them staggering to 146 for nine with eight balls to spare.

Zain Tahir top-scored with 40, while Kemm made 36 and Darren Longden took five for 55.

Oldham’s woe continued at home to Elton, who made 178 all out thanks largely to Bafana Mahlangu’s knock of 83.

Hamza Hussain was Oldham’s star bowler with an excellent spell which netted him seven for 48. Oldham replied with 131 for nine, Abid Fazil scoring 49 before being run out and Gareth Edwards taking four for 26.

In the Premier Division, Royton suffered a disappointing defeat at home to Monton and Weaste.

Denny Hulme’s men were dismissed for a disappointing 128, while Monton replied with 129 for five.

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC