Club excited by away-day jaunt

THE sky’s the limit for Austerlands as they start formulating plans for an excursion to the Isle of Man.

The Thorpe Lane outfit have been drawn away to St John’s in the first round of the Barclays Wealth LCB Cup.

Austerlands are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Shaw, who were the first side from the Saddleworth and District Cricket League to play a competitive game on the island.

Shaw were pitted against Castletown in the competition two years ago and they ended up chartering their own aeroplane for the day trip.

Although LCB Cup rules stipulate that teams from the Isle of Man must come to the mainland if their opponents are unable to play away, Austerlands intend to make every effort to cross the Irish Sea.

Captain Kevin Du Feu said: “When I first heard the draw, I thought we were playing Tottington St John’s in Bury!

“The plan at the moment is play away, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.

“Because we’ve got a game on the Saturday, I would imagine we would fly. I know Shaw hired an aeroplane, but that is expensive and we will have to look at fund-raising and sponsorship.

“The feedbak from people I’ve spoken to so far is that we should go.

“It will be a great experience and I’m sure the committee will be up for it.”

The draw has thrown up a potential Saddleworth League/CLL tussle.

If Oldham beat Swinton Moorside, from the North Manchester League, they will play either Moorside or Uppermill in round two.

With the two grounds less than a mile apart, an Oldham v Moorside encounter would be a mouth-watering prospect for players and supporters alike.

Bamford Fieldhouse, the reigning Saddleworth League champions, and runners-up Heyside face teams from the Ribblesdale League.

Andy Barton’s Bamford are at home to Read while Heyside are away to Edenfield.

Heyside are still in the competition after they appealed against punishment handed out by the league’s disciplinary committee.

CLL side Crompton play host to Egerton, who finished third in the Bolton League last season.

Of the other CLL clubs, champions Heywood visit Hindley St Peters (Manchester and District Cricket Association), Monton and Weaste are at home to Glossop (Lancashire County League) and Norden welcome Fulwood and Broughton (Palace Shield Cricket Competition).

Ties to be played by May 17.