Colts still contenders

CRICKET:

THE Saddleworth and District Cricket League under-18s side can still qualify for the final of the Colts Inter-League Trophy — but results will have to go their way.

Skipper Michael Bird, of Uppermill, leads out the team in their remaining pool match against the Ribblesdale League at Saddleworth on Sunday (1.30pm).

In order to reach the final on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29, the Saddleworth League must win and hope that the CLL lose to the Bolton Association.

Bird’s side are unbeaten in the competition so far as rain washed out their opening game against the CLL, while the fixture with Bolton Association ended in a tie.



THE Saddleworth and District Cricket League under-15s need to avoid defeat against the Ribblesdale League on Sunday to make the last-four line-up in the Inter-League competition.

The match takes place at Salesbury CC, near Blackburn (1.30pm).



MOORSIDE and Bamford Fieldhouse, winners of their respective groups, will play off on Sunday, August 21, to decide the overall champions of the under-15s section in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The former held off Austerlands’ challenge to claim top spot in Group One.

Austerlands were awarded all four points after opponents Saddleworth ‘B’ were unable to raise a team for the final round of matches.

But it was Moorside who emerged victorious after picking up two points when their game against Uppermill was called off because of an unfit pitch.

Elsewhere in group one, Heyside were dismissed for 31 — their lowest score of the season — and opponents Glodwick reached 32 for the loss of one wicket.

There was an equally tight finale in Group Two.

Bamford’s 24-run defeat of Micklehurst meant Shaw had to overcome Saddleworth ‘A’ to finish level on points at the top of the table.

However, Shaw blew their chance big-style, succumbing to a heavy 62-run defeat after being set a victory target of 124.



In the Under-17s Division, Heyside remain in contention for the title after forcing a tie at Glodwick.

The lads from Little Hey Street scored nine runs off the last over — they scrambled a single from the final delivery after the ball had gone through to the ’keeper — to match their opponents’ total of 96.

Kamran Yousaf retired on 53 as Ashton swept aside Saddleworth by 64 runs, while Friarmere got the better of Greenfield with three balls to spare.

Charlie Price made 50 (retired) for Moorside, who edged out Stayley by just three runs.

And Saddleworth, with notable knocks from Bradley Hadfield, who retired after making a fine 50, and Adam Smalley (48 not out) defeated Micklehurst by 22 runs.