Crompton fight out thrilling tie

CRICKET: 

IT ALWAYS promised to be a close match, but few could have predicted such an outcome.

After both sides had batted 50 overs at Towncroft, Middleton had posted 205 for nine . . . in reply to Crompton's 205 for nine.

Given that Crompton boasted a seven-points lead in the Lake Garage CLL Championship going into this fixture, the visitors will have been much the happier side with a tied match.

But it was the game of cricket that was the winner on a lovely summer's afternoon which was in complete contrast to yesterday's wash-out.

Crompton took first guard and were happy to pass 200 thanks to 63 from professional Josh Tolley, a fine unbeaten 57 from Sam Rigby and 42 from Darren Graham.

Home professional Ernest Kemm made sure the total was kept in check with a decent spell of five for 87.

Middleton's reply was led by Grant Jones with an excellent 77, but Crompton never allowed the hosts to get away.

Skipper Simon Wright has been carrying one or two niggles which have prevented him from bowling, but he was able to turn over his arm in this crucial fixture – and a good job, too!

Wright posted terrific figures of six for 43 from 12 overs as Middleton's reply stuttered.

Mel Whittle chipped in with three for 54, but Middleton levelled the scores at the end of their allotted overs and the handshakes at the end of play acknowledged a contest in which no quarter was given.

At the opposite end of the Championship table, there was another tight contest between Werneth and Oldham.

Recent form suggested Werneth would prevail at the Coppice, but bottom club Oldham had other ideas and won by three wickets.

Andy Walker, promoted to opening batsman in recent weeks, made a fine 41 and Jason Lutener 30 for Werneth, but the rest failed and the home side were bowled out for 121 in just 41 overs. Young Hamza Hussain's recent good form with the ball continued as he took four for 19.

It was not all plain sailing for Oldham in their reply, but Mudassar Butt with an unbeaten 38 held the innings together as Oldham fell over the winning line with three wickets to spare.

Rashid Khan (three for 28) was Werneth's most successful bowler.

Individual performance of the day in this division came at Ladyhouse, where Milnrow professional James Price smashed 208 in his side's 323 for six. Elton replied with 169.

Wood Cup finalists Royton warmed up for Sunday's showpiece with a superb home victory over Premier Division leaders Walsden – the side they saw off in the cup quarter-finals.

Professional Geeth Alwis did not have happy personal memories of that day after giving his wicket away, but he was in majestic form this time, hitting 107 in Royton's 191 for nine.

Opposite number Umesh Karunaratne bowled a lengthy spell to take six for 63.

Walsden's batsmen failed to fire and they were bowled out for a paltry 105, giving Royton an 86-runs victory.

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC