Crompton CC, 2008, from left to right, back: Darren Graham, Kevin Stoute (pro), Aqib Zulfiqar, Jevon Searles, Stephen Wright, Simon Wright (capt): Front: Dane Fletcher, Majid Khan, Asad Zulfiqar, Joe Roye, Glenn Rigby.

Amateur cricket round up

by KEITH McHUGH

WERNETH were left bemused and frustrated after an umpires’ ruling had a marked effect on their Lake Garage CLL home match against Littleborough on Saturday.

The rain-interrupted match was building towards an exciting conclusion when the umpires announced at 8.15pm that the game would conclude half an hour later.

The normal cut-off point is 7.45pm, at which stage a minimum of 10 overs must be bowled.

But league rules state that if a match is rain-affected, then the new deadline is 8.15pm. Even if it takes more than half an hour to bowl 10 overs, then the game can go on, light permitting.

However, the umpires in the Werneth game said that play would end at 8.45pm, despite protests to the contrary by home skipper Andy Walker and his opposite number Phil Deakin.

Said Walker: “At the time of the umpires’ decision we only needed 40 or 50 with wickets in hand, our professional (Loku) still in and, we thought, 10 overs to go.

“Our pro was winning the game for us, but because of the ruling he had to change his game and he got out swinging across the line.

“Two or three wickets fell as we chased the runs and then we had no option but to shut up shop and bat out a draw.

“It was frustrating as we had controlled the game and had surprised Littleborough with the way we played.

“I don’t think either team are going to win the league, but this was a good chance for us to win the game and send a message to other clubs that we are not going to be the whipping boys this season.

“I was batting at the end of the game and, as we walked off the field, myself and Phil Deakin told the umpires they had got it wrong. The spectators knew the rule, too, but just thought we were coming off for bad light.”

Littleborough captain Phil Deakin agreed that the umpires had made an error, but felt Werneth had turned down the chance to go for the runs.

“We had dropped their pro four times but once he was out when they needed 30-odd, they did not try to win the game.

“I even brought in the field to try to win it for us, but they still did not go for the runs, although there were a couple of boundaries with so many fieldsman near the bat.”

As for the 10-over situation, Deakin said: “I think we bowled nine, but at 8.45pm I did offer to bowl another over.”


     

Skuse looks for derby revenge

by KEVIN RICHARDSON

SADDLEWORTH captain Peter Skuse is seeking a change of fortune in the traditional Whit weekend double-header against Greenfield.

It’s that time of year again when local bragging rights are at stake in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

And Skuse’s side kick off proceedings when they welcome their neighbours to Well-i-Hole tomorrow. The return match takes place at Ladhill Lane 24 hours later.

Saddleworth will be in buoyant mood after a thrilling three-run win over reigning champions and title favourites Bamford Fieldhouse last weekend.

Skuse said: “It probably covered a few cracks, but it was still a great result against them.

“Confidence will be higher and I’m looking forward to the weekend because Greenfield beat us twice last year.

“It was a difficult wicket at Bamford and some of their superstars played a few rash shots, but we took our chances.”

Neil Holt, Matt Cook and Mark Lees are still missing from the Saddleworth line up because of work and university commitments, but the skipper expects them to be available soon.

Skuse added: “I think we’re looking at the first week in June for all three.

“If we can pick up a couple of wins in the meantime, then we won’t be far away from the top five.”


     

WE’VE all heard of rain, hail and even snow stopping play — there was even a case of a penalty shoot-out bringing players off the pitch — but fireworks?

Well, several rockets let off in the direction of the Hollinwood ground sent players and officials scurrying for cover.

The incident occurred during the home team’s Barclays Wealth LCB Knock-out Cup game against Northern at Lime Lane.

Play was held up for 20 minutes before normal order was restored. A group of Hollinwood members went to find the culprits, but they had already scarpered.

Host captain John Winterbottom explained: “A Northern batsman asked if we could go off and I said ‘I’m right behind you’.

“One of the fireworks — there were about four or five in total — landed within a few feet of Mudassar Butt.

“It was quite a frightening experience and not something you expect during a game of cricket.”

Incidentally, the penalties episode took place during the World Cup in 2006 when a first-division match was stopped so players could watch the shoot-out between England and Portugal.


     

DAVID Andrew is still waiting to record his first century in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The opening batsman, who has played first-team cricket at Holebottom Clough for more than 20 years, finished nine runs short of a first ton in the defeat of Droylsden.

Andrew struck nine fours and fives sixes and shared in a stand of 141 with Mike Small (51).

His best score remains at 94, made against Greenfield, and he said: “I was knackered when I got to 50, but it was a still a dozy thing to do to get out when I was so close.”

Shaw captain Dion Taljard missed that match and also the LCB Knock-out Cup fixture.

He broke a toe against Bamford Fieldhouse the previous weekend.

Taljard remains a doubt for Saturday’s derby duel at home to Heyside, but he definitely misses the return trip 24 hours later because of family commitments.


     

HOLLINWOOD have been drawn away to New Brighton (Liverpool Competition) in the second round of the LCB Knock-out Cup, while Stayley are at home to Baxenden (Ribblesdale League).

Roytonians keep up good work

ROYTONIANS have made a flying start to the Site Electrical North Manchester League season.

The division two outfit extended their record to three wins out of three with a comfortable 59-run defeat of Failsworth Macedonia seconds.

Veteran Steve Webb stared with both bat and ball, scoring 48 in a total of 186 for nine from their 45 overs.

Despite an early breakthrough by Nick Fawcett, Roytonians found it hard going.

But the introduction of Webb brought a change of fortune. The all-rounder finished with four wickets and Fawcett claimed three as Failsworth fell well short of their target.

Failsworth’s first team and Springhead both suffered defeats in division one, and the former’s misery was compounded when they lost in the first round of the Calverley Cup on Sunday.

But Greenfield thirds lead the way in division three — they enjoyed back to back wins over Chew Moor Brook and Woodbank — while Saddleworth’s are in tie for second place after a nine-wicket victory against Robinsons.

And Springhead seconds are off the mark in division four after a 18-run defeat of Darcy Lever thirds.

Scores are —

Saturday, division one: Failsworth Macedonia 85, Rochdale Catholic Club 259-8; Springhead 129, East Lancs PM 132-8.

Division three: Chew Moor Brook 72, Greenfield IIIs 98

Sunday, Calverley Cup, round one: East Lancs PM 193-9, Failsworth Macedonia 116.

Division two: Failsworth Macedonia IIs 127-8, Roytonians 186-9.

Division three: Greenfield IIIs 251, Woodbank IIIs 75; Saddleworth IIIs 180-1, Robinsons 179-8.

Division four: Darcy Lever IIIs 172, Springhead IIs 190-5; Uppermill IIIs 78, Tottington St Johns IIs 113-9.


     

Micklehurst on the back foot

MICKLEHURST were made to toil in their Drakes Huddersfield League premiership one fixture at Barkisland.

Without the services of experienced all-rounder Mel Austin, they allowed the hosts to accumulate 217 for eight.

Dave Weston, who had previously been dismissed for a pair of ducks, top-scored with 108.

Conditions were far removed from the bright sunshine which greeted the home side’s batsmen when it Micklehurst’s turn to take guard.

Overcast and humid, the visitors struggled to come to terms with the pace and movement of Love Ablish (five for 73).

At one stage Micklehurst, who were bowled out for 178, scored only 12 runs in 10 overs.

There was more disappointment for the Castle Lane club in the Heavy Woollen Cup 24 hours later.

On a good wicket for batting, Micklehurst amassed 228 for six — Danny Anchor made 50 — but opponents Golcar clinched a comfortable seven-wicket win.


     

Star keep winning record intact

STAR Eleven maintained their 100-per-cent record in the Ashton and Oldham Cricket Alliance season with a four-wicket win at previously unbeaten AJK.

The hosts, despite 58 from Sikander, were reduced to 118 all out.

Star Eleven are in a tie for the lead with Jay Hind, who lost six wickets in the success over new boys Copthorpe.

Three wickets apiece for Anand, Kamlesh and Dinesh saw the visitors succumb to 88 all out. Umar top-scored with 28.

A useful 30 from opener Tejas and Viral’s 21 saw Jay Hind home with a bit to spare.

Requiring 108 to win against St Mary’s HC — Slater with 24 was the best of the Saints batsmen — Greengate crossed the line in style.

They won by six wickets, thanks to a fine stand between Phelan and Shenton, who struck 42 not out and 35 respectively.

There was a fine tussle at Friends, for whom Rasheed Khan made an excellent 53 against Waterhead Methodists.

He was ably supported by Amjad (26) and Nadeem Hussain (21) in a total of 133. Daubney and Palfreyman, with four for 25 and three for 21 respectively did the damage.

Meths were dismissed for 113 in reply to hand Friends an outright win. Khan completed a good day with figures of five for 32, while Khalid made 28.

Boyle (39), Buckley (26), Courtney (26) were among the runs as Newtonhurst amassed 161 for eight at Radclyffe.

With Drummond posting a superb six for 26 in reply, it was always going to be a struggle for the home side, who were shot out for 105.

After losing their first two matches to the weather, Foresters finally got their season under way at home to Europa Exiles.

Bailey was the second bowler in the Alliance to claim six wickets as the visitors were restricted to 136 for nine. Clarke hit 40 and Finn was unbeaten on 23.

Foresters reached their target for the loss of five wickets, with decent contributions from a handful of players, spearheaded by Steel’s 29.

Scores —

AJK 118 (Sikander 58), AJK 119-6 (Imran 26); Copthorne 88 (Umar 28, Anand 3-3, Kamlesh 3-14, Dinesh 3-26), Jay Hind 90-6 (Tejas 30, Viral 21); St Mary’s HC 107 (Slater 24, Jackson 3-31), Greengate 110-4 (Phelan 42 not out, Shenton 35, Mellor 3-38); Friends 133 (R Khan 53, A Ali 26, N Hussain 21, A Daubney 4-25, P Palfreyman 3-21), Waterhead Methodists 113 (R Khan 5-32, W Aslam 3-20); Newtonhurst 161-8 (Boyle 39, Buckley 26, Courtney 26, S Wright 3-31), Radclyffe 105 (C Robinson 26 not out, S Drummond 6-26); Europa Exiles 136-9 (M Clarke 40, T Finn 23 not out, H Bailey 6-31), Foresters 138-5 (S Steel 29, J Coupe 25 not out, H Bailey 24, B Leeks 24 not out, T Finn 3-53).


     

Franco, Joe are perfect partnership

HALF-centuries from Franco Lennardth and Joe Taylor helped Werneth to a derby victory at Oldham in the CLL under-18 Whittaker Cup.

Werneth amassed 201 for five before bowling Oldham out for 159, Craig Joy top scoring with 53.

Crompton defeated Middleton by 71 runs at Glebe Street where they made 171 for nine, Majid Khan hitting 53.

Despite Richard Fitton scoring 52, Middleton could only muster 100 in reply.

Royton lost by seven wickets at home to Clifton.

Tony Walsh scored 50 out of a total of 142 for The Paddock side, but Clifton cruised to victory, making 143 for three in reply.

In the under-18 fixtures not affecting local sides, Bury beat Milnrow by 83 runs, Heywood defeated Walsden by eight wickets, while Rochdale overcame neighbours Littleborough by 34 runs.      

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