Bamford to host Tanner Cup final

BAMFORD Fieldhouse will host Heyside in the Tanner Cup final on Sunday, August 17, after they saw off Friarmere in their re-arranged last-four clash at Hollin Lane yesterday.

And it means the championship contenders will go head-to-head twice in the space of two days as they also meet in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League 24 hours earlier at Little Hey Street.

Peter Roberts, a winner with Saddleworth in 2006, led the way for Andy Barton’s boys in a comfortable 73-run win over Friarmere.

Number four Roberts struck 83 and overseas amateur Lincoln Roberts hit 79 in Bamford’s total of 202 for eight from 45 overs. Danny Meehan took five of the wickets to fall for 62 runs.

Friarmere’s reply never got going on a slow wicket as they lurched to 129 for eight. Bobby Khan and Gary Kershaw made 27 apiece.

Jerry Cassell claimed three for 25, while professional Naved Arif Gondal and Andy Smith-Butler each picked up two wickets.

The toss was made after the match for home advantage in the final and Barton called correctly.