Symes smashes batting record

South African batsman Jean Symes smashed the Central Lancashire League’s individual run-scoring record at the weekend. The Norden professional hammered a superb unbeaten 268 at Royton - beating the 222 posted by Oldham paid man Brandon Nash in 2001.

Royton were the hapless victims as Norden’s South African professional Jean Symes smashed the Lake Garage CLL’s individual batting record.

Symes scored an incredible 268 not out at The Paddock - the highest innings in the CLL since limited over cricket was introduced - to eclipse the unbeaten 222 scored by paid-man Brandon Nash for Oldham in 2001.

And Symes, supported by Nick Brierley’s 70, helped second-placed Norden amass a remarkable 381 for three declared.

Symes, who offered only one chance - a missed stumping having scored 130 - struck 28 fours and 15 sixes in his remarkable knock.

Royton professional Luke Procter and John Punchard bore the brunt of the punishment, Punchard conceding 115 runs off his 10 overs.

Royton, set a target of 345 runs from 44 overs after a rain break, finished on 222 for seven, Procter making 104 not out and Punchard 42.

Werneth joined Norden is scoring over 300 runs as they triumphed at Middleton in another high-scoring match which produced a total of 595 runs.

New professional Humayun Farhat scored 133, including 17 fours and six sixes, as Werneth made 317 for eight from 49 overs.

Middleton, set a target of 278 from 39 overs because of rain, finished with 221 for seven, paid man Ken Skewes making 59 and Grant Jones 56 not out.

But as Middleton only bowled 49 of their 50 overs in their allotted three hours and five minutes, they claimed a maximum five-point win, even though they failed to bowl out Middleton.

Oldham slipped to second bottom following an eight-wicket loss at leaders Heywood where they were bowled out for 94, wicket-keeper Craig Joy top scoring with 19.

Will Purser claimed five wickets for 32 and Tom Blundell three for 35 as Oldham’s batting was dismantled by some accurate bowling from the Crimble club.

Heywood romped to victory making 96 for two in reply, deputy professional Brendan Taylor making 51 not out.

Saturday's Scores:

Ashton 177-5 (Kadodia 51 n.o.), Littleborough 174 (Abid 6-32); Crompton 236-6 (Ste Wright 73, Khan 61, Tariq 5-83), Radcliffe 163 (Coates 56); Heywood 96-2 (Taylor 51 n.o.), Oldham 94 (Purser 5-32); Middleton 221-7 (Skewes 59, Jones 56 n.o.), Werneth 317-8 (Farhat 133). Werneth win by Duckworth Lewis; Milnrow 156, Unsworth 243-6 (Madsen 116) Unsworth win by D/L; Rochdale 80, Monton & Weaste 200–9 (Bandara 83 n.o.); Royton 222-7 (Procter 104 n.o.), Norden 381–3 dec (Symes 268 n.o., Brierley 70) Norden win by D/L; Walsden 190–6 (Priyadarshyana 67), Clifton 215-8 (Akhtar 75). Walsden win by D/L.