Leicester Shield glory for Saddleworth

LINE UP . . . Saddleworth and Shaw under-15s players are fronted by team captains Arron Birtwhistle (Shaw, left) and centurion James Howard. PICTURE: PAUL STERRITT

CRICKET: JAMES Howard was in scintillating form for Saddleworth as they beat Shaw in a thrilling Saddleworth and District Cricket League under-15s Leicester Shield final at Well-i-Hole.

Howard scored exactly 100 as the hosts took first knock in the 40 overs per side clash, then took three wickets for 32 as Shaw came up short in their reply.

Shaw captain Aaron Birtwhistle won the toss and asked last year’s beaten finalists to bat first on a

great-looking wicket.

Saddleworth scored 205 for seven from their 40 overs, with Howard’s superb ton – which included 14 fours – being backed up by Jack Marland’s 36.

Shaw fell narrowly short in their reply, reaching 191 for nine from their 40 overs as J Clark top-scored 47 and M Gibson hit 39. Dan Manton took three for 25 for the victors.