Range wrap up title with aplomb

WHALLEY Range clinched the Under-15s title in their first season in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The Kingsbrook Road outfit emerged victorious — they finished two points clear of Glodwick Mousemen — after a comprehensive defeat of Austerlands.

Whalley Range, leaders going into the last day of competition, made sure of the title by sweeping aside their opponents.

They first racked up an impressive 139 for one, before dismissing Austerlands for a miserly 36.

Runners-up Glodwick and third-placed Greenfield were left cursing the heavy shower which caused their mid-season game to be abandoned.

It was a draw which deprived Greenfield the chance to finish in second place, while in the end it wrecked Glodwick’s bid for top honours.

Glodwick’s final fixture was conceded as holidays meant that Wythenshawe were unable to raise a team.

Moorside could not field a side to play Shaw for the same reason.

The outstanding game of the night saw fourth-placed Saddleworth scoring 119 for seven thanks to Sam Holt’s 31 not out and James Howard’s 37.

In reply, Stayley’s Rhys Downend compiled a fine 50, but his team ran out of overs on 103 for five.

MICKLEHURST, champions of the Under-17s Division, ended their campaign four points clear of Friarmere, with Stayley back in third place.