Wilman leads by example

AT THE READY . . . Friarmere captain Ben Ingham (left) and Milnrow skipper Robert Wilman line up before the under-17s Romida Trophy final at West View.

CRICKET: ROBERT Wilman played a captain’s innings of 33 as Milnrow under-17s defeated Friarmere by three wickets to lift the Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s Romida Trophy.

Wilman’s unbeaten knock was the highlight of the final at West View, where the home side were skittled out for just 78 in 32 overs.

Friarmere lost wickets at regular intervals, mainly because of poor batting rather than outstanding bowling.

Ben Ingham was the only batsmen to reach double figures with 15, but it could have been much worse for the hosts as Milnrow, who had already pocketed the league title, dropped nine catches.

The Milnrow response was almost a replica of the Friarmere innings.

The key moment in the match arrived when Wilman was put down at mid-wicket with the total on 18 for three.

Wilman made full use of his lifeline, showing maturity beyond his years as wickets continued to fall at the other end.

The skipper eventually found an able partner in Josh Tetlow and they shared an unbroken stand of 26 for the eighth wicket to steer Milnrow home in the 34th over.

Ingham was the pick of the Friarmere bowlers with two for 11 from his eight overs.