Rafiq leads way as Glodwick beat high-flying Norden

REHAN RAFIQ . . . unbeaten century

GLODWICK'S three-wicket defeat of previously unbeaten Norden was the stand-out performance in the Pennine Cricket League on Saturday, writes KEVIN RICHARDSON.

The Warren Lane club, without a win after their opening three matches, chased down the visitors' total of 225 for nine with seven balls to spare.

TERRIFIC
It was a terrific effort by Glodwick against the league leaders.

Rocking on 31 for three and 79 for five, calm-as-you like professional Rehan Rafiq steered home his side with exactly 100 not out. The Pakistani was ably backed up No.7 Jamie Symonds (34) and No.8 Brad Heap (20).

Rafiq's fellow countryman Akbar Rehman hit an unbeaten century as Crompton overcame Rochdale by four wickets at Glebe Street.

Rehman made a superb 118, which included 18 fours in 140 balls, in reply to 222 for six.

The victory lifted Crompton up to second place, two points adrift of Norden.

Despite landing in the country only hours earlier, Armand Kruger hit the ground running for Greenfield.

In an 89-run success at Littleborough, the overseas amateur struck 36 out of 214 for eight - skipper Chris Gill top-scored with 67 - before claiming three catches when the home side's turn to bat.

An unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 114 between Stevie Barker (60) and Joe Gale (55) guided ruined Saddleworth's hopes of defeating reigning champions Walsden at Well-i-Hole.

The hosts had earlier posted 208, which included a rapid 86 in 71 balls from pro Imran Aslam and Tom Avery's 46.

Furqan Shafiq had an afternoon to remember for Monton and Weaste in their seven-wicket success at Heyside.

Shafiq took a sparkling eight for 40 in reducing the home side to 162 all out. Paid man Bilal Khiljee made 53.

He then scored 89 as the visitors raced to victory in 28.2 overs.

Austerlands' search for a first league win goes on as they lost by 53 runs at home to Stayley.

Scores -

Premiership: Norden 225-9 (J Tolley 86), Glodwick 227-7 (R Rafiq 100 n.o); Rochdale 222-6 (H Cooper 93), Crompton 223-6 (A Rehman 118 n.o); Heyside 162 (B Khiljee 53, F Shafiq 8-40), Monton and Weaste 164-3 (F Shafiq 89, M Wajihuddin 60 n.o); Greenfield 214-8 (C Gill 67, R Moonsamy 54), Littleborough 125; Stayley 224-5, Austerlands 171; Saddleworth 208 (I Aslam 86, T Avery 46, Josh Gale 5-55)Walsden 211-5 (S Barker 60 n.o, Joe Gale 55 n.o, Josh Gale 42).