Uppermill CC, from left to right, back: Ian Johnson, Matt Bradbury, Andrew McVeigh, Michael Bird, Steve Chamberlain, Zeeshan Khan. Front: James Beveridge, Alex Griffiths, James Baron, Michael Brooks, Jim Bradbury.

Saddleworth League... by Kevin Richardson

CAPTAIN Lee Warburton has praised Alan Durose’s instant impact at Moorside.

The former Werneth amateur was the surprise choice as the Turf Pit Lane club’s professional for 2008, but he has not let anybody down.

He has helped Moorside to two wins out of three — the other match was rained off — in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Durose hit an unbeaten 56 at Friarmere after claiming a six-wicket haul against Glodwick on the opening day.

He is bound to face a far sterner test of his skills at Hollinwood tomorrow, as the hosts possess an identical record.

But Warburton is confident Durose can carry on his eye-catching start and maintain Moorside’s early momentum.

He said: “Alan has been the key. He’s got everybody pulling in the right direction.

“He has kept our heads up on the field when things haven’t been going our way and is also very good before games in the warm-up.

“Alan is a winner, he hates losing, and has created a real buzz around the place.

“He has known our overseas amateur, Lloyd Kingston, since their time together at Mark Charlton’s cricket academy in South Africa a couple of years ago.

“They bring a lot to the team and what they’ve learnt is beginning to rub off on the other players.”

Hollinwood, champions in 2006, will once again employ a deputy pro — Imran Qadir from Pakistan — as Aamir Bashir recovers from illness.

Warburton went on: “It’s going to be a tough game, because they are also going well, but we’re up for it and confident we can continue our good start to the season.”

Another team boasting two victories are Heyside, and they visit Austerlands, who managed just 60 against Greenfield last Saturday.

Lincoln Roberts, the Bamford Fieldhouse overseas amateur, will get his first taste of league action this season when Saddleworth come calling.

The West Indian missed the opening three matches because of commitments back home.

Droylsden and Shaw, who are both looking to get off the mark, meet at Oakfield, while Greenfield entertain a Stayley side who held their nerve to defeat Saddleworth last weekend.

Both Uppermill and Glodwick, who meet at Leefields, are also looking for their first wins.

Meanwhile, five clubs are in action on Sunday in the first round of the Barclays Wealth LCB Knock-out Cup — and two of them play each other.

From 61 entries, Stayley were drawn at home to Friarmere, who have qualified for the competition for the first time.

Bamford Fieldhouse and Hollinwood play host to Lytham and Northern respectively, from the Liverpool Competition.

Shaw, who enjoyed a trip to the Isle of Man at this stage last season, welcome Astley Bridge (Bolton League) to Holebottom Clough.     

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