Semi thrills in store for Heywood

Heywood were the only local side to reach the semi-finals of the John Willie Lees Twenty20 Competition.

They overcame Unsworth by a comfortable 82 runs, while Norden lost to Clifton by seven wickets and Littleborough were beaten by Royton by 40 runs.

Royton overseas amateur Ryan Carters was the hero with the bat.

Aussie opener Carters struck 80 from only 61 balls out of a Royton total of 141 for four. He hit 10 fours.

Carters and Tony Walsh (20) shared a 58-run stand for the opening wicket.

Boro were then restricted to 101 for six, Phil Deakin top scoring with 34 not out from 28 balls.

They were never in with a realistic chance due to some tight bowling from John Punchard, Guy Lovell and Matthew Hodson who each claimed two dismissals.

In Friday’s other rain-delayed quarter-final, Werneth defeated Crompton by 41 runs.

Scores: Unsworth 100, Heywood 182-5; Werneth 214-8 (Farhat 99), Crompton 173-7 (Zulfiqar 55, Si Wright 50, Zaman Khan 48); Norden 68, Clifton 69-3; Littleborough 101-6, Royton 141-4 (Carters 80).

Semi-final draw: Heywood v Werneth, Clifton v Royton. Matches to be played Friday, July 18 (6.15pm).