Curtain set to fall on CLL

THE curtain comes down on the Lake Garage CLL on Sunday.

The 123-year-old league had nine founder members, including Oldham and Royton, and in its final run has had 18. Some of those 18 are heading to the Greater Manchester and Bolton Leagues, while the rest are merging with Saddleworth League clubs to make up the new Pennine League.

Only one issue needs to be resolved in this season’s final standings: the identity of the Championship

runners-up. Middleton, Milnrow and Radcliffe are still in the hunt, but third-placed Heyside have narrowly missed out after playing all their matches.

As Radcliffe are heading to the GM League in 2016, only Middleton and Milnrow can be promoted to next year’s Pennine League top flight. Second-placed Middleton have a tough game at champions Crompton, and Milnrow will expect to win at Elton.

Oldham host Werneth, while Premier Division action sees toiling Royton go to Walsden.