Saddleworth and District League; Hinds capture

HARD-HITTING batsman Ryan Hinds has been snapped up by Heyside for Saturday’s rearranged Tanner Cup final against Bamford Fieldhouse (start 11.30am).

The West Indian Test player, who blasted 223 for Norden in the CLL last weekend, has replaced professional Roelof Hugo.

Heyside turned to Hinds after their South African paid man returned home on Monday to play in his country’s domestic season.

Captain Mark Barnes dipped into his contacts’ book to acquire the one-off services of the 27-year-old, who smashed 14 sixes and 17 fours in his 156-ball stay against Middleton.

Barnes said: “We’ll obviously miss Roelof, but Ryan is a pretty good replacement.

“We all know what he did for Norden the other week and we’re delighted he has agreed to play for us.

“He’ll probably open or bat at number three and it’s up to one of us to play around him.

“Ryan can also bowl a bit, which is a bonus because we are missing Dean Watkinson.”

Heyside are on a recovery mission after they were pipped to the post by Bamford in the pursuit of league honours.

But Barnes will be without three of the players which took them so close to the title, with Hugo, opening batsman Steve Firth and frontline bowler Dean Watkinson absent.