Crompton still have a part to play

CRICKET: PRIDE in performance is the main issue at stake as Lake Garage CLL clubs embark on the penultimate round of league fixtures on Sunday.

Given the impending demise of the CLL, many of whose clubs will link up with those of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League to make up next year’s Pennine League, there should be little motivation needed for teams to perform well - no-one wants to sign off badly from an institution formed in 1892.

The Premier Division and Championship titles are already locked away courtesy of Norden and Crompton and, as the eight top-flight clubs who have pledged their allegiance to the PL will be playing in next year’s elite division, relegation isn’t a concern. So all that needs to be resolved is which club will join Crompton in the promotion stakes.

That honour looked certain to be going Middleton’s way, but an alarming collapse and Milnrow’s end of season surge has seen the latter become slight favourites.

Milnrow, who have played one match fewer, trail second-placed Middleton by two points, with Radcliffe alongside on 64 points.

Radcliffe are not involved in the promotion issue as they have elected to join the Bolton League next season.

Milnrow’s game in hand is clearly vital, but look at who they will play - Crompton, who took their eye off the ball last Sunday when beaten by Radcliffe.

Skipper Simon Wright will demand his team return to their previous imperious form so this fixture has all the makings of a classic.



NORDEN have signed 27-year-old South African Jon Smuts as their professional for 2016.

He will replace the hugely-successful Daniel Salpietro, who is returning to Tasmania to coach and set up a sportswear business.