Greenfield surge through

CRICKET: GREENFIELD surged into the last eight of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s Tanner Cup competition with a resounding 242-run win at Micklehurst last night.

Chasing a daunting 298 for victory in 45 overs, the hosts succumbed to 55 all out. Peter Gill claimed four for 12.

Resuming on 137 for four, Droylsden were dismissed for 181 at Glodwick, for whom professional Rehan Rafiq picked up three for 32 from nine overs. Michael Schofield made 63.

The home side’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals appear to rest on the shoulders of Rafiq as they were 51 for three from 22 overs when bad light stopped play. The Pakistani all-rounder is unbeaten on 24.

Saif Ur Rehman bagged two Glodwick wickets in his nine overs for 23 runs, while David Lees completed his nine-over spell for the miserly return of just 15 runs.

The tie is set to continue on Monday, as will the contest at Austerlands where two late wickets reduced Saddleworth to 82 for four, in reply to 206 for eight.

Mohammed Irfan removed James Howard (36) and overseas amateur Mario Boyce (nought) in successive balls in the last over, the 25th, of the evening.

Pro Imran Aslam, a former Austerlands player, and Darren Shadford are the not out batsman.



FORMER Oldham stalwart Mel Whittle has signed for Friarmere and goes into the team for tomorrow’s game away to South West Manchester.