Cup exit inspires Bamford

ANDY Barton, the Bamford Fieldhouse captain, believes their controversial Cockspur Cup defeat has made them even hungrier for success this season.

The skipper was upset after he thought an umpiring decision cost them a place in the area final of the national competition.

Bamford have since gone from strength-to-strength and are now eyeing a third league and cup double in the space of nine years.

Five wins on the bounce has seen them narrow the gap on Heyside to 17 points and, with Saturday’s game on the horizon plus a game in hand, they could soon find themselves on top.

Barton said: “Last month’s Cockspur Cup result really shook the side, but they have responded brilliantly.

“The likes of Darren Shadford, Max Power and Paddy McKeown are in fantastic form — they are class-acts and are peaking at the right time.

“Peter Roberts has done a good job since taking over as wicketkeeper from Oram Simms and he’s been scoriing runs as well.”

Red-hot favourites before the season got under way in April, they are finally living up to expectations after a sticky middle part of the summer.

Defeats against Saddleworth and Uppermill, plus the ability to attract a heavy shower of rain, left Bamford some way adrift of Heyside.

But, such are the riches at Barton’s disposal, everyone knew that, sooner or later, they would creep into contention.

It has been more of a cruise than a creep as they have amassed scores in excess of 200 in each of their previous five league games.

But Barton is taking nothing for granted as they set their sights on two pieces of silverware.

“Heyside are enjoying a good season and they’ve got some good players,” said Barton.

“We’ll need to be on our game right from the word go, because a win at their place on Saturday would set us up nicely for the Tanner Cup final.”