Neighbours in fine form for derby
THE two in-form teams of the JW Lees Pennine Cricket League clash at Stag Park today when Premiership leaders Norden entertain third-placed Rochdale.
The fixture also pitches together the two in-form batsmen, in Norden’s Josh Tolley who averages over 300 for his last three games, and Rochdale pro’ Henry Cooper who slammed two tons in recent games.
But it will not all be about run scorers, as both teams have matchwinning bowlers, and it will be interesting to see how former Norden player Ollie Makin shapes up for the visitors.
Littleborough play host to an Austerlands side which has upset the odds in a few recent games.
Clinton Perren has been the key man with the bat for Boro this season as the team grows in confidence and strength following the departure of many players at the end of last season.
Milnrow will be hoping to end a mini slump in the Championship when they visit Hollinwood.
Glodwick v Saddleworth, Greenfield v Walsden, Heyside v Crompton, Littleborough v Austerlands, Monton and Weaste v Stayley, Norden v Rochdale.
Hollinwood v Milnrow, Middleton v Micklehurst, Moorside v Ashton, Oldham v Uppermill, Royton v Werneth, Shaw v Friarmere.
Crompton v Glodwick, Friarmere v Littleborough, Milnrow v Norden, Rochdale v Greenfield, Walsden v Monton and Weaste, Werneth v Oldham.
Ashton v Hollinwood, Austerlands v Heyside, Micklehurst v Moorside, Saddleworth v Royton, Stayley v Middleton, Uppermill v Shaw.
BOTH remaining “local” teams will be away in the semi-finals of the JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup.
Littleborough will visit Crompton, and Rochdale will be at Royton.
In the Tanner Cup, Norden will entertain Stayley, and Friarmere will entertain Heyside.
These cup ties will be played on 8 July, start 1.30pm.
Middleton’s Towncroft ground has been chosen as the venue for the Wood Cup final.
AT A meeting on Tuesday the Pennine League clubs not already committed to joining other leagues next year agreed to apply for membership of the Greater Manchester League.
TOMORROW brings round three of the LCB Knockout.
Rochdale face what on paper is a tough away tie against Lancashire League side Lowerhouse, while Norden entertain Greater Manchester League pacesetters Prestwich.
Burnley v Horwich RMI, Egerton v Lytham, Clitheroe v Longridge, Lowerhouse v Rochdale, Ramsbottom v Bootle, Leyland v Church, Haslingden v Ormskirk, Norden v Prestwich.