Archive - Friday, 3 September 2010


Find by date

Other ways to search

Also look for

Never miss anything again. Sign up for our RSS news feeds and Newsletters.

Circle set for title showdown at Walkden

FARNWORTH Social Circle captain Matt Parkinson believes the destination of the Bolton League title will be decided at Harriet Street tomorrow afternoon.

Defending champions Circle, who lie third in the table, visit the club immediately above them, Mike Bennison’s Walkden, for a critical clash that will make or break each team’s season.

Table-topping Farnworth remain in the driving seat but Parkinson expects the league to be decided at The Oval.

“Whoever wins tomorrow will win the league,” said Parkinson. “I expect Farnworth to lose one of their remaining games so, if we can’t win the league, I hope it is Walkden because I played there for a number of years and have some good friends at the club.

“I can’t believe the title is still within our grasp after the shocking run of form we have been on.

“It is a massive game for us because Walkden are the in-form team but we will fight tooth and nail to retain the title. We were so proud when we won it last year.

“We don’t want to give the trophy away to anyone and want it to stay at Piggott Park. Even though we have not been getting the results recently there has been no back-biting – the spirit is still there.”

Parkinson admits his team’s batting has to improve if they are to retain their title, but he is also wary of the wealth of talent within Walkden’s ranks.

“Our poor form is down to bad batting,” said Parkinson, who captained the side to success last season. “But we want to put that right.

“When we bowl we need to try to get Usman Tariq, Mike Bennison and David Smith out early and put them under some pressure.

“It is Bennison’s last season but he is batting as well as ever. It will be a good game and we are really up for it.”

After Walkden, Social Circle’s remaining games are against Bradshaw and Astley Bridge.

Bennison’s men face Westhoughton and Bradshaw while Farnworth, who host Greenmount tomorrow, will finish with clashes against Heaton and Horwich.