Testing times in store for top two

LEAGUE’S MAN IN FORM: Grant Hodnett is plundering plenty of runs for Moorside at present.

CRICKET: 

THE two clear leaders in the race for the Saddleworth and District League title both face stern tests of their credentials tomorrow.

Leaders Glodwick, who went down at Stayley last time out, host fourth-placed and Monday’s Twenty20 Cup semi-finalists Heyside in what promises to be an exciting clash at Warren Lane.

Second-placed Saddleworth, meanwhile, will gear up for their appearance at Twenty20 Cup finals day with a home fixture against Stayley, who are now fifth.

Moorside, who are in terrific form and boast man-of-the-moment Grant Hodnett, travel to Friarmere hopeful of gaining another maximum points haul which would just about keep their feint hopes of gatecrashing the top two alive.

Turf Pit Lane professional Hodnett scored 126 not out in last weekend’s five-wicket success against stunned Saddleworth – his 11th unbeaten knock in 23 league and Tanner Cup matches so far this term.

Sixth-placed Uppermill will be confident of beating bottom-placed visitors South West Manchester after the Leefields outfit cruised to a big win against Hollinwood last time out.

Hollinwood will hope to bounce back as they travel to Austerlands tomorrow.

Greenfield face a mid-table tussle against Droylsden, while similarly Shaw could do with a victory fillip as they travel to Wythenshawe.

After rain washed out the Moore Cup final between Friarmere and Uppermill last weekend, the two teams will try again at Slack Lane on Sunday (1pm start).

Tomorrow’s fixtures (1pm): Austerlands v Hollinwood; Friarmere v Moorside; Glodwick v Heyside; Greenfield v Droylsden; Saddleworth v Stayley; Uppermill v South West Manchester; Whalley Range v Micklehurst; Wythenshawe v Shaw.

Sunday – Moore Cup final: Friarmere v Uppermill (at Friarmere, 1pm).

Twenty20 Cup finals day fixtures (at Austerlands CC, Monday) – Semi-finals: Uppermill v Saddleworth (10.30am); Heyside v Glodwick (1.30pm); Final at approx 4.30pm.