Lord’s troops on title charge

Reporter: Kevin Richardson
Date published: 25 July 2014


Saddleworth and District Cricket League

AFTER taking a chunk out of Glodwick’s lead, second-placed Saddleworth aim to keep up the pressure on their title rivals tomorrow.

Brian Lord’s men reduced the deficit to 21 points after they managed an improbable victory over Whalley Range — every other game in Division One was rained off — and a comfortable success at South West Manchester.

The trick now is follow-up at home to Wythenshawe, a side which have won their last four completed Saddleworth and District Cricket League games.

The Well-i-Hole outfit have certainly got the bit between their teeth as the season enters its final third, with in-form professional Imran Aslam proving an all-round menace.

Meanwhile, doubts remain over the participation of Glodwick’s paid man Rehan Rafiq for tomorrow’s clash at Whalley Range.

Skipper Nigel Stock has already turned to an able deputy in Shelley’s Bilal Khiljee for tonight’s Twenty20 quarter-final fixture against the same opponents as Rafiq continues his recovery from severe concussion.

Of the other games, fifth host third as Uppermill welcome Heyside to Leefields, while Stayley go to Austerlands in the hope of maintaining their bid for a top-five finish.

Fixtures —

Tonight, Twenty20, sponsored by Pro Elite Sports, quarter-finals: Heyside v Greenfield; Friarmere v Uppermill; Glodwick v Whalley Range; Hollinwood v Saddleworth. Ties start 6.30pm.

Tomorrow, league: Austerlands v Stayley; Droylsden v South West Manchester; Friarmere v Micklehurst; Greenfield v Shaw; Moorside v Hollinwood; Saddleworth v Wythenshawe; Uppermill v Heyside; Whalley Range v Glodwick.