Just Champion!
Reporter: ‘A’ team in last-day title glory
Date published: 10 December 2008
Heyside: William Maloney (back, left), Callum Hendrick, Bradley Flint. Lewis Bardsley (front, left), Corey Heaton, Corey Pearson.
SADDLEWORTH ‘A’ made up for their disappointment of 12 months ago as they swept to the Oldham Cricket Development Group under-nines Indoor League title.
The race for league honours went right down to the wire with the Well-i-Hole outfit and opponents Heyside locked on 14 points at the top of the table.
It was a case of winner takes all as the two teams went head to head at Oldham Sports Centre.
Saddleworth faced the same scenario last year when they were duelling with Shaw for the championship crown. Then it ended in heartache, but this time they made no mistake.
Taking first knock, Flynn Bradley and William Wright steered their side to a daunting 290 for no wicket from their nine overs, leaving Heyside with a lot of work to do.
And the task proved too much for the Little Hey Street side as they could only muster 228 for five in reply.
It was a good night for the Saddleworth club, with the ‘B’ team (294 for no wicket) taking third place at the expense of Moorside (243 for two).
In the evening’s other fixture, Royton overcame spirited Glodwick in a last-ball thriller.
Glodwick made 238-3 from their nine overs, with Royton overhauling the score by compiling 245 for one.
OLDHAM’S talented cricketers will be taking part in a new competition next season.
The town teams at under-11s, under-13s and under-15s will be setting their sights on title glory in the Greater Manchester East Merit League.
The youngsters, who will face Tameside, Bury and Rochdale in the league, will also be competing in a cup competition featuring districts throughout Lancashire.
Trials for the three age groups will be held in the New Year, and the Oldham Cricket Development Group are inviting clubs within the borough to nominate their best players.
Those cricketers who impress at district level could be put forward for county trials.
Junior club coaches should contact Chris Highton, the Lancashire Cricket Board Community Cricket Co-ordinator, with their nominated players as soon as possible.
Forms have been dispatched to clubs, but more are available from Highton on 07843 603598, or email cricket@oldham.gov.uk
