Campbell’s heroics give Heyside victory

GLORY BOYS: Heyside celebrate their Tanner Cup win, after beating Bamford Fieldhouse.

All-rounder reprises Tanner Cup role as underdogs triumph

TWELVE months after playing a leading role in Shaw’s Tanner Cup success, Nick Campbell cajoled Heyside to a glorious three-wicket win over hot favourites Bamford Fieldhouse in this year's renewal at Hollin Lane.

The all-rounder was named man-of-the-match after an unbeaten 61 left the hosts’ hopes of a Saddleworth and District Cricket League double in tatters.

Aided and abetted by captain Mark Barnes (23) and Tony Heaton (14) — the only survivors of the side which won three league titles and two Tanner Cups in the 1990s — Campbell’s gritty display was epitomised by all 10 of his team-mates.

He rode his luck, but that should not detract from a supreme effort, coming just 24 hours after he had attended the funeral of his granddad, Arthur.

Bamford’s innings of 190 for five was built around opener Darren Shadford’s 81 not out.

The former Werneth man was never comfortable on a difficult wicket, but it was still a vital knock in the circumstances as Heyside fought back strongly attack after a nervy start.

Campbell, who made the initial breakthrough when he bowled Lincoln Roberts with 60 on the board, conceded only 23 runs from his nine overs and stand-in professional Ryan Hinds went for just 19.

At 62 for four Heyside, who were pipped by Bamford for the league title six days earlier, seemed down and out but, showing tremendous spirit, they worked their way back into the game.

Bamford lost key bowler Andy Smith-Butler to a knee injury before the start of his third over but despite this hammer blow, they still had the look of a team who expected to win. Perhaps this was their downfall.

The likes of Campbell and Co had other ideas and after Heaton had lifted deputy pro Stephen Parry for six — he was out moments later — the stage was set for Phil Taylor, sporting a bruise over his left eye where he had been struck while ’keeping wicket, to hit the winning runs in the penultimate over.

This was the fifth attempt at staging the Tanner Cup final this season and, for Heyside, it was their fifth win in the competition.

It was well worth the wait.