Muzaffer heads Werneth charge

CRICKET: 

WERNETH caused a huge shock and dented Middleton's promotion ambitions with a 63-run victory at Towncroft on Saturday.

Professional Ali Muzaffer hit 92 as Werneth made 203 after taking first guard in the Championship fixture. Paul Entwistle and Rob Shaw gave the paid man good support with knocks of 33.

Middleton were bowled out for 140, spinner Rash Khan producing a match-winning seven for 48 spell.

Championship winners Crompton beat Heyside in a runfest at Glebe Street.

Denis Louis smashed 120 and Josh Tolley 65 as Crompton amassed 274 for eight after batting first.

Heyside skipper Ryan Barnes took five wickets for 70 runs.

Heyside made a gallant effort to reach their huge target, but were eventually dismissed for 245 despite 85 from Nick Campbell, 57 by Ben Holt and 41 from James Lord.

Royton lost again in the Premier Division, this time at Monton and Weaste. The hosts batted first and rattled up 265, Ben Chapman top scoring with 68 and Callum Porteous (four for 118) and Liam Brown (four for 85) getting among the wickets for Royton. In reply, Royton were skittled for 127 as the persistent Brown top scored with 27.

Danny Collins took four for 40 and Aamir Riaz three for 26.

But the big news in the division was made at Woodhouse Lane where hosts Norden beat Walsden to place one hand on the title.
twitter: @KeithMcHughOC