Cup delight for Bamford

Royton captain William Sandiford-Mitchell (left) and Joe Smith-Butler, skipper of Bamford Fieldhouse, with their teams before the Under-13s Cup final.

CRICKET:

ON the day when Bamford Fieldhouse’s senior side lifted the Tanner Cup, the club’s under-13s capped a fine season by winning the Saddleworth and District League under-13s Cup final.

They defeated a spirited Royton side by seven wickets at Hollin Lane.

Bamford also finished runners-up in the league, having lost only one game all season.

Royton skipper William Sandiford-Mitchell won the toss and elected to bat first, but opener Harry Greaves was bowled by Joe Smith-Butler, the Bamford captain, with the fourth delivery of the match.

Aaron Tesz came to the crease and hit Adam Ahmed’s leg spin for six, but Ahmed got his man in the fourth over for 18.

Adam Gray and Sandiford-Mitchell put together a partnership of 32 in eight overs before Gray was bowled by Adam Deaville.

Jack Snape joined the captain and it looked a promising combination until Sandiford-Mitchell went for a patient 16, bowled by Smith-Butler.

Royton finished on 100 for four, with Smith-Butler taking two for 10.

In reply Bamford hit 10 off the first over, but then Ahmed hesitated going for a single and was run out for four.

Smith-Butler retired after posting 31 from 23 balls, including six fours, taking the innings to 44 for one.

Deaville succumbed to Sandiford-Mitchell’s first delivery for 17 and Garside departed soon afterwards for six, the Royton skipper again taking the wicket.

Danny Matthews recorded an unbeaten 28 as he and Charlie-Lloyd Jones helped Bamford reach their target with six overs and seven wickets to spare.

Sandiford-Mitchell claimed two for 17 for Royton.