Title races go right to the wire

CRICKET: AUSTERLANDS under-15s ensured the battle for top spot in Group One of the Saddleworth and District League goes to the last game of the season after a four-wicket win at leaders Moorside ‘A’.

The hosts were restricted to 96 for eight, with Charlie Price top-scoring on 38.

Greg Burgess shared a 58-run partnership with Aaron Lees to set Austerlands on their way.

But after the loss of four quick wickets Moorside ‘A’ were back in the hunt and as the runs dried up they were on course for the title.

However, Beth Garforth (13 not out) and Kyle Moore (nine not out) helped Austerlands win with four balls to spare.

Stayley earned a seven-wicket home win against Heyside, with James Wardle’s five for nine helping to dismiss the visitors for 72, before Nick Woodhead’s 50 guided the hosts outfit to victory.

Saddleworth ‘B’ made 88 for two at Uppermill, who won the contest with seven wickets in hand.

At Oakfield, Droylsden and Glodwick shared the points. Glodwick dismissed the hosts for 99 and reached the same score with two wickets left — but these wickets fell in successive deliveries to tie the match.

In Group Two, leaders Bamford suffered their first defeat of the season which means the battle for first place goes to the last day. Chasing 101, they fell six runs short of victory against Royton.

Shaw enjoyed a 38-run triumph at home to Moorside ‘B’. Their score of 122 all out was too many for a gutsy Moorside who finished on 84 for nine.

Saddleworth ‘A’ claimed an 11-run victory at home to Greenfield. Despite only scoring 97, tight bowling restricted Greenfield’s reply to 86 for seven.