Barnes backs his T20 kings

Reporter: SIMON SMEDLEY
Date published: 22 August 2014


CRICKET: 

IT’S hardly surprising that Heyside skipper Ryan Barnes fancies his side’s chances of retaining the Saddleworth League’s Twenty20 Cup on Bank Holiday Monday when the finals are staged at Austerands CC.

While they may currently be fourth in the league, Heyside are going for a third straight success in the Pro Elite Sports-sponsored competition - and they won the Tanner Cup final against Moorside three weeks ago.

“We’ve got league leaders Glodwick in the semi-final first on Monday, but I’d still say we are favourites to win again,” said Barnes.

“This is a format we favour and we’ve proved that plenty of times in the past couple of years.

“The league table doesn’t lie and Glodwick are up there on merit, but we can be aggressive and attack – it’s a strong part of our game. We’ve got depth that has helped us be successful in recent years.

“We’re all looking forward to Monday. Austerlands will be a terrific setting for the day, so hopefully we can get the job done again.”

There will be a certain familiarity between Heyside and high-flying Glodwick ahead of Monday’s knock-out clash as the two meet on Saturday in the league.

Twenty20 finals day kicks off with a first semi-final between local rivals Uppermill and Saddleworth, with the final set to get under way at approximately 4.30pm.