Brian lords it as Shaw hit buffers

CRICKET:

BRIAN Lord won’t enjoy a more straightforward afternoon’s cricket all season as Saddleworth ran though Shaw at Well-i-Hole.

The home skipper made 90, fulfilled his duties behind the stumps with proficient ease, and got the best out of his bowlers in a victory sealed long before Ben Watson’s thrilling late winner for Wigan at Wembley.

Lord missed the first two games of the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League season because of a ban held over from last season. He is making up for lost time.

Ben Willis took the reins for those matches and he was at his captain’s side on Saturday as the hosts dismantled the Shaw bowling to the tune of 203 for two in 30 rain-reduced overs.

Even allowing for the early dismissal of Lou Adair, Saddleworth always seemed likely to pile up a decent score.

Lord rode his luck a little, but never allowed himself to get in a rut.

Lord and Peter Skuse (43) – the latter Doherty’s second victim – put on 81 in 14 overs. Lord and Willis added 99 in 11 overs.

At one stage it looked as though Lord, who hit 16 boundaries, would get to his century. Willis did reach his 50, with his eighth four off the last ball of the innings.

A lot hinged on Joe Whitehead in Shaw’s reply. Capable of scoring quick runs, he went for the pull shot off Michael Brylowski, but top-edged the ball into the grateful gloves of Lord for nought.

Brylowski more often than not bowled in the right areas and got his reward: four for 22.

A 15-minute break for rain and a quick Weather Time calculation left Shaw needing 180 in 26 overs. They resumed on 71 for four in the 20th over. No chance.