Ton-up Zelem inspires Oldham

OLDHAM Schools under-15s, inspired by captain Ross Zelem’s brilliant 129, made a flying start to their Lancashire Schools’ Merit League campaign.

The Blue Coat pupil was the star of the show as the town team recorded a comfortable 56-run win over Bury at Shaw Cricket Club’s Holebottom Clough ground.

Zelem’s knock lifted Oldham to a formidable 239 for six from their 40 overs.

Bury found it tough going in reply. They were eventually dismissed for 183, with Saddleworth’s Bradley Hadfield claiming four for 20.

Meanwhile, the under-11s were in action today against South Trafford in a challenge match at Astley CC.

The young team went into the game full of confidence after they registered a convincing 112-run win over Rochdale.


SADDLEWORTH Year Sevens made it to the Oldham Schools’ semi-final thanks to a four-wicket victory over Royton and Crompton at Heyside.

After defeating Breeze Hill by eight wickets in the last round, Saddleworth found Royton and Crompton — who elected to bat — tougher opponents.

Having being set a target of 101 to win, Sam Akeroyd taking three wickets, Saddleworth reached their target with 11 balls to spare thanks to strong efforts from opener Brad Cunningham, who made a quick 44 not out, Alex Milovanovic (17) and Lewis Newton (29).


TOM Fullard backed up an outstanding display in the field by making 26 with the bat in Moorside’s five-wicket defeat of Droylsden in the under-13s section of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Lewis Kay retired on 32 for the Turf Pit Lane outfit, who were replying to Droylsden’s 100 for seven.

Abu scored 30 for Bamford Fieldhouse, who posted 104 for eight against Royton.

Ten-year-old William Sandiford batted well for The Paddock side, compiling 32, but Royton fell 11 runs short of victory.

Tom Robinson registered 30 for Heyside in a total of 137 for nine against Uppermill, who were restricted to 86 for nine.

Openers Ellis Helire and Harry Gee were the stars of the show for Saddleworth ‘A’.

They each retired on 30 as their side piled up 150 against Shaw, who were bowled out for 80.