League set for start of play in new season

Gerrie Snyman

OUTFIELDS cut, boundary markers placed, wickets positioned, it's all systems go for the 2017 JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League season, writes KEVIN RICHARDSON.

There is plenty to look forward on the opening day.

In the Premiership, newly-promoted Heyside and Saddleworth, fierce rivals in the old Saddleworth League not so long ago, meet at Little Hey Street while Greenfield, featuring professional Rivaldo Moonsamy for the first time, welcome Si Wright's Crompton to Ladhill Lane.

Stayley, who also went up, go to Rochdale and reigning champions Walsden visit Norden.

Shaw, with ex-Lancashire and England bowler Sajid Mahmood as their paid man, get their campaign under way at Royton, for whom new skipper James Maurice Scott will hope to get off to a winning start.

Gerrie Snyman, once of Heyside, will make his Moorside debut at home to Uppermill.

Sunday's fixtures (12.30pm) -

Premiership: Greenfield v Crompton; Heyside v Saddleworth; Littleborough v Glodwick; Monton and Weaste v Austerlands; Norden v Walsden; Rochdale v Stayley.

Championship: Hollinwood v Werneth; Micklehurst v Milnrow; Middleton v Ashton; Moorside v Uppermill; Oldham v Friamere; Royton v Shaw.


* GREENFIELD are holding an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday, May 3 (8pm), at which members will vote on whether the club should apply to join the Greater Manchester League for season 2018.