'Season-defining' weekend looms

SIMON WRIGHT

THERE'S excitement and anticipation abound ahead of tonight's Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup quarter-final ties ­- a competition Crompton skipper Simon Wright believes is firmly up for grabs.

The Glebe Street Pennine League Premiership high-fliers will be confident going into their tie of the round at Saddleworth (6.15pm start) following last weekend's crushing final group stage win at Ashton.

Reyner Lane pro Chami Edirisinghe took a brilliant five wickets for six runs ­- and four in four balls ­- in Crompton's 132 for seven, but it wasn't enough as Wright's side then skittled the hosts for just 71.

Wright said: "It was quite incredible when their pro took four in four late in the innings, but to be honest we were already on our way to what was a good total at Ashton.

"He only came into the attack quite late on. If he'd have opened the bowling it might have been a totally different story.

"Once Ashton batted we bowled and fielded really well and in the end it was a well-deserved victory.

"It's going to be a tough one at Saddleworth and we don't really know too much about them as our scheduled league game was washed out.

"I think all the eight remaining teams will fancy themselves to win the trophy now, though.

"There are some strong sides left in it."

It'll be the top flight's fifth versus fourth-placed sides who go into battle at Well-i-Hole tonight.

Elsewhere, Glodwick host Friarmere, Monton and Weaste welcome Littleborough and Norden travel to Greenfield.

The Saddleworth clash begins a hectic weekend for Crompton, who travel to Monton tomorrow in the league and then Greenfield on Sunday for a Tanner Cup semi-final set-to.

"In a lot of ways this could turn out to be a season-defining weekend for us," added Wright.

"Three games in three days might mean my marriage is on the rocks by the end of it, though!"