Howard hits the heights for Lancashire

CRICKET:

JAMES Howard of Saddleworth School gave a good account of himself at the annual under-12s county festival at Kings College, Taunton — despite his side suffering mixed fortunes at the national event.

The local youngster began the five-match festival programme in top form by hitting an unbeaten 50 as Lancashire ran out two-wicket winners against Devon.

The following day, his team didn't fare so well, going down by seven wickets to Surrey.

And further disappointment followed when Lancashire suffered an 11-run reverse against South African side St Stithians.

The red rose county rallied in the penultimate contest, running out comfortable six-wicket winners over Gloucestershire with Howard, who plays for Saddleworth Cricket Club, again top-scoring with a magnificent 52.

But a dip in form hit the Lancashire youngsters in their final match, going down by five wickets to Hampshire.