Keep your cool, warns chairman

STRONG MESSAGE: League chairman Eddie Bayliss.

EDDIE BAYLISS has called for calm before Sunday’s Tanner Cup final between Bamford Fieldhouse and Heyside at Hollin Lane.

The Saddleworth and District Cricket League chairman wants to avoid a repeat of the ugly scenes which marred a recent high-profile local league game.

Trouble broke out at Todmorden in the Worsley Cup final between the home side and Accrington. Police were called after a bottle was thrown at Todmorden fans and later an object was hurled back.

Mr Bayliss, who will umpire the match alongside Clive Senior, wants the crowd to behave in an appropriate manner.

He said: “I do hope that those who turn up on Sunday make it an enjoyable atmosphere. We don’t want any nastiness.

“I’ve heard football chants at games this season, but I believe they should stay within the confines of football grounds — there is no place for them in cricket.

“It has all the hallmarks of being a tremendous final. They are the top two teams in the league and I expect it to be played in the spirit of the game and that goes for the conduct of the supporters as well.”

Mr Bayliss added he would have no hesitation in stopping play if trouble erupted.

He added: “The umpires are in sole charge of the game and if anything untoward happens we have the power to bring the players off the pitch until it settles down.

“We wouldn’t want to do that, because it would create all the wrong headlines, but it some cases it may be necessary.” 

* NO alcohol will be allowed into the ground on Sunday, but it can purchased on site.