Title race is blown open

IT’S BEHIND YOU: Uppermill’s Dave Thomas appeals unsuccesfully as Heyside batsman Richard Bennett looks back anxiously. Picture by CHRIS SUNDERLAND.

THE title race in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League has been blown wide open.

Leaders Heyside slipped to a shock two-wicket defeat at bottom-half team Stayley while second-placed Bamford Fieldhouse produced a display worthy of champions.

Heyside’s lead has been cut to 17 points and Bamford can overhaul them if they win their game in hand.

Heyside made a modest 161 all out, with father and son Mark and Ryan Barnes each scoring half centuries. The pair put on 92 for the first wicket.

But it was not sufficient to earn victory as Stayley scraped home with three overs to spare.

While Heyside were faltering, Bamford produced an impressive display at Greenfield, where their winning margin was 212 runs.

Darren Shadford top scored with 83 as the visitors posted a daunting 287 for six, despite Ben Johnson’s haul of four for 81.

Greenfield, who don’t have a professional or overseas amateur, were found to be wanting with the bat as they were shot out for 75. Marlon Black claimed four for 18.

Uppermill, who had a free day, remain third but they are well adrift of the top two who look to be battling for the title.

But their hold on third place is being challenged by Moorside, who defeated Shaw.

Lloyd Kingston scored 83 not out and K Khan 47 not out as Moorside declared at 185 for two.

Shaw put up a brave challenge, falling not far short as they made 175 for seven in reply. Shaun Dean was unbeaten on 51 as Alan Durose took six for 68.

Austerlands slipped to fifth place following their five-wicket defeat at in-form Glodwick. Imran Aslam took six for 24 as Austerlands were bowled out for 103.

Droylsden won by five wickets at Saddleworth in their basement battle. Saddleworth were dismissed for 147 with the visitors making 148 for five.

Friarmere’s home game against Hollinwood was abandoned because of rain. The hosts had struggled to 120 for seven when play was curtailed.

Scores —

First division: Friarmere 120-7 v Hollinwood — rain stopped play; Glodwick 104-5, Austerlands 103 (Aslam 6-24); Greenfield 75 (Black 4-18), Bamford 287-6 (Shadford 83, Johnson 4-81); Moorside 185-2 dec (Kingston 83 no, K Khan 47 no), Shaw 175-7 (Dean 51 no, Durose 6-68); Saddleworth 147, Droylsden 148-5 (Shah 57); Stayley 162-8, Heyside 161 (R Barnes 52, M Barnes 50).

Second division: Austerlands 107-5, Glodwick 106; Bamford 130-6, Greenfield 129; Heyside 143, Stayley 145-6 (Mellor 64); Hollinwood 124, Friarmere 174-9; Shaw 128-3, Moorside 129-7 (J Khan 53).