Norden’s relief

CRICKET: ON FIRST inspection, Oldham’s four-wicket JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup quarter-final defeat at Norden suggests a contest which went pretty much to form.

Norden went into the match at the top of the Lake Garage CLL Premier Division, while Oldham were propping up the rest in the second-tier Championship. But make no mistake, this was a hard-fought contest and there were times when Norden were worried.

First, Oldham were going well on 87 for two only to see deputy pro Saeed Anwar, the former Crompton paid man, given out harshly leg before wicket for 28 when looking dangerous. The Pollards men collapsed before scrambling to 148 all out.

Odds compilers would have given the visitors little chance, but that verdict would have changed when Norden were reeling on 14 for two, with pro Daniel Salpietro back in the hutch, caught by Rizwan Javed off Anwar for only six.

But in Simon Harman, Norden have a batsman of real quality and judgement. Harman, who has already scored over 600 runs in the CLL this season, looked calm and assured on his way to a team-rescuing half-century.

The hosts eventually reached their target for the loss of six wickets, but they knew they had been given a really tough game by the league's lowest-placed club.

Oldham's total could have been so much better had Anwar not been lbw to spinner Oliver Makin. The ball looked to be high and Anwar was not impressed.

Oldham started brightly when Norden took their turn to bat, Anwar’s strike being followed by a corker from Bashir which wrecked Dan Buckley’s stumps.

But by the time Harman was bowled by Bashir for an excellent 50, Norden were in sight of their goal.

They were fortunate to survive a run-out appeal against Matt Williams, but the number seven went on to make 11 and Oliver Makin (18 not out) and Hashim Malik (seven) guided them to the winning post.

Although they celebrated, the CLL’s leading club at present were mightily relieved - as were their

supporters.

If Oldham - full of spirit, fight and no little skill - can make a top team struggle, why on earth are they finding it so hard to win matches? It’s a question they must have asked themselves last night.