UNSWORTH were unable to notch their second win of the month at their Central Lancashire Championship rivals Werneth, who have already been promoted to the Premier League.

The Pole Lane men scored 189 after choosing to bat first, losing wickets at regular intervals, with four of the top five batters scoring double figures but none able to pass 20.

Things did not look good for Unsworth at 102-8 on a good batting wicket but youngsters Jack O’Brien and Dylan Casey forged an important ninth wicket partnership.

When Dylan was dismissed for 25, ex- Werneth player Liam Richards stuck around to enable O’Brien to bring up his maiden first-team 50 – ending 56 not out. Werneth’s reply owed much to professional Zimmy Khan who ensured his team always remained favourites.

When he was dismissed for 110 towards the end his team needed single figures with two wickets left. Jenaghir Mohammad had taken five wickets and O’Brien two for Unsworth but neither was able to penetrate the professional’s defences.

In the end, Werneth’s numbers nine and 10 knocked the runs off with four overs to spare.

Unsworth entertain local rivals Radcliffe for their last game of the season. A win or a rained off game would guarantee a third-placed finish for the Pole Lane side. Meanwhile, Chris Williams has re-signed for next season after taking 90 wickets and scoring 830 runs in his first season with the club.

The second team need a win on Sunday to guarantee a second-place finish and promotion.