Gearing up for a Twenty20 cracker

BIG HITS . . . there will be plenty of sixes flying over the boundary ropes at Greenfield on Sunday. Here is Saddleworth's Peter Roberts in full flow as his steam beat Moorside in last year's Saddleworth League Twenty20 Cup final

CRICKETERS across town are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal weekend at both ends of the Pennine League Premiership and Championship tables.

And sandwiched in between Saturday's and Bank Holiday Monday's double headers is Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup finals day, which features three of our local sides gunning for glory.

Crompton have enjoyed a season to savour so far, and the Glebe Street outfit will be hoping to build on their recent successes with victory in Sunday's Twenty20 showpiece, which is taking place at Greenfield Cricket Club (10.30am start).

Simon Wright's side will look to make the most of their second chance, of course, having nipped back into the competition following Saddleworth's withdrawal.

Crompton have already won the Tanner Cup and the second XI Burton Cup, so a dream treble is on the cards.

First, they will have to negotiate hosts Greenfield in the 10.30am semi-final on Sunday, while Friarmere and Monton and Weaste contest the other last-four tie, which starts at 1.30pm.

The final is due to get under way at approximately 4.30pm and, with the forecast looking good, fans could be in for a treat.

On the league front, the Glebe Street side won't have given up hope of a late Premiership title charge, though games away at rivals Saddleworth (Saturday) and Greenfield (Monday) are sure to test even the strongest of resolves.

A crunch weekend beckons for Royton at the lower end of the Premiership table, with their matches against rock-bottom Middleton (at home on Saturday) and mid-table Rochdale (away on Monday) being crucial if they are to retain any hope of avoiding the drop into the Championship. The Paddock lads are still five points shy of third-bottom Glodwick, so it would appear at least one victory will be required this weekend for Denny Hulme and his team.

Saddleworth, five points shy of top-flight leaders Littleborough, welcome Crompton on Saturday and then go to take on the leaders on Monday.

By Monday night, the Well-i-Hole will have a much clearer view of their potential title aspirations.