Delayed semi poses problem

THE Armstrong Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League committee is to meet on Wednesday to resolve the controversy of when the rain-hit Tanner Cup semi-final between Bamford and Friarmere is to be played.

The match was scheduled to start at 6.30 tonight, according to league rules, and be continued each night until there is a result.

But a decision was taken by the clubs to play the game on a free weekend date.

League general secretary Trevor Harrison explained that a meeting of the league committee has been called to thrash out the problem.

He said: “The confusion has arisen due to a tie in the previous round between Moorside and Heyside being called off.

“A senior umpire made the decision to play the following weekend when it ought to have started on the Monday night.

“Other clubs have jumped on the bandwagon and think it is also okay to do this - which is not the case.”

Mr Harrison said that the earliest the semi-final can be played on a weekend is a week on Sunday.

Uppermill won through to the final of the Moore Cup following a four-wicket home win against Stayley.

Stayley were bowled out for 75, Uppermill making 76 for six in reply.

They will now face Heyside after they bowled out home side Hollinwood for 130 and knocked them off for the loss of five wickets.