Heywood continue CLL charge

CLL leaders Heywood's relentless charge towards another league title continued with an emphatic eight-wicket win at Clifton.

Robert Slawson took five wickets for 61 as Clifton were bowled out for 160.

Heywood won with effortless ease, making 163 for two as Tom Hardman hit 77 not out and Royce Blight 49 not out.


Middleton recorded a similarly emphatic win, beating Oldham by eight wickets.

Captain Chris McDonnell top scored with 72 and Paul Thompson thumped 59 as Oldham totalled a creditable 228 all out.

However, Middleton reached their target with ease, making 231 for two, local lad Scott Stanworth top scoring with 76 not out.

There were also key contributions from professional Ken Skewes (60) and Grant Jones (56 not out).

SCORES: Clifton 160 (Slawson 5-61), Heywood 163-2 (Hardman 77 n.o., Blight 49 n.o.); Middleton 231-2 (Stanworth 76 n.o., Skewes 62, Jones 56 n.o.), Oldham 228 (McDonnell 72, Thompson 59); Milnrow 164 (Power 71), Monton & Weaste 165-5 (Gorsi 80 n.o., Din 52); Norden 212-6 (Malik 93), Ashton 208-9 (Hodge 48); Royton 172-3 (Carters 79), Radcliffe 160 (Punchard 8-75); Unsworth 220-8 (Madsen 91), Littleborough 270-4 (Smit 144, Forden 52); Walsden 77, Rochdale 183 (Ayres 58); Werneth 172 (Slater 83, Mayes 7-54), Crompton 250-8 (Si Wright 83).