AN exciting run-chase, instigated by Rob McQueen, resulted in a brilliant three wicket victory for Unsworth over Oldham on Sunday.

Oldham, making first use of their home ground, lost two early wickets to Unsworth professional MacQueen but Chris McDonnell (38) and Jonathan Beukes (66*) ensured some stability was brought to the crease.

A Martin Smith cameo (34) helped push the score up at the end as Oldham finished on 199-7 in their allotted overs. MacQueen was the pick of the Unsworth attack with brilliant figures of 5-80 in an unchanged 25 over spell.

Overseas amateur Ryan van Niekerk also impressed with two vital wickets for 51 runs.

Unsworth got off to the best possible start as openers Paul Entwistle (42) and Paul Manley (56) slayed the Oldham opening bowlers.

However, Lee Proctor removed both openers to fray some nerves.

Undaunted, Macqueen set about finishing the job for hi team that he had undoubtedly set up with a series of stunning shots on his way to an unbeaten 74.

The professional was fast running out of partners but he stood firm and shepherded the tail to their victory target.

It was a totally different story on Saturday, though, as high-flying Werneth battered their hosts.

Unsworth batted first and were always in trouble as Werneth professional Sajith Fernando soon found his rhythm.

Only Entwistle (30) managed to remotely score some runs as Fernando and Alan Durose collected four wickets apiece; Unsworth all back in the hut for 102.

Werneth were never going to lose the game from there and it was left to Sri Lankan Fernando to steer his side home with an unbeaten 48. He was ably assisted by Paul Gills and Don Errock as only MacQueen (2-49) made any impact with the ball.

This weekend, it's a local derby for Unsworth as they made the short journey to play bottom club Stand on Sunday.

UNSWORTH'S third team are in the final of the Royd's Trophy after they beat Middleton by six wickets in the semi-final.

The final will be held on September 21st at a venue to be announced.