Big prize within Royton's grasp

EVERYONE associated with Royton Cricket Club must be sick and tired of being reminded that Wood Cup success has eluded the club in its 123-year history with the CLL.

So surely it is time for the Paddock outfit to get the monkey off its members’ collective back.

Defeat to Middleton in the 2011 final is the closest Royton have come in recent seasons.

MOMENTUM

Now they have another great chance to finally have the club’s name engraved on the prestigious trophy.

The momentum is certainly with Denny Hulme’s team. Sunday’s victory over Premier Division leaders Walsden was at variance with the form book and was as impressive as it was dramatic.

Disciplined bowling and fine batting at the top of the order were the bedrocks of Royton’s success and more of the same will be needed when Rochdale come to town for Sunday’s semi-final.

Recent league form suggests Rochdale are the favourites to prevail.

They boast the league’s most consistent professional in South African Wensley Lansdale, a free-scoring overseas amateur in Marradon Bend, a decent opening bowler in Michael Harling and a number nine batsman – Tom Avery – who last weekend made 107 off 92 balls.

That said, Rochdale’s top order disintigrated in that match at Norden, so Royton’s eager bowlers will believe they can apply the pressure – just as they did against Walsden.

Home professional Geeth Alwis has a huge role to play.

The Sri Lankan went for less than two runs per over against Walsden, but had a complete brainstorm with the bat.

Facing Umesh Karunaratne, all he had to do was bat out his fellow professional’s remaining overs.

Instead, he twice chose to dash down the wicket – the second time with fatal consequences.

More considered shot selection by Alwis and back-up from some talented amateurs in the Royton line-up could be rewarded with a place in next month’s final – and even that elusive cup success itself.

Tomorrow’s league programme sees Royton face a daunting task against Norden at Woodhouse Lane, although it may be no bad thing to warm up for a big cup-tie with a tough fixture.

Crompton surrendered their unbeaten record in the Championship to Werneth last weekend and Simon Wright’s men will be looking to return to winning ways tomorrow at home to Radcliffe.

Rejuvenated Werneth will fancy their chances at Elton, while promotion-chasing Heyside should be able to make home advantage pay against Ashton.

TOMORROW (league): Premier Division - Heywood v Monton and Weaste; Rochdale v Clifton; Littleborough v Unsworth; Norden v Royton. Championship: Milnrow v Middleton; Heyside v Ashton; Crompton v Radcliffe; Elton v Werneth.

SUNDAY (Wood Cup): Littleborough v Norden; Royton v Rochdale.