Greenfield ready for acid test

CHRIS MOORE

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GREENFIELD captain Jonathon Ainley is keen to keep his players’ feet firmly on the ground after their impressive start to the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League season.

The Ladhill Lane outfit have enjoyed back-to-back wins over Hollinwood and Droylsden.

Next up are Moorside on Sunday — Greenfield have an open date tomorrow — and Francis Sutherland’s side are expected to provide Ainley’s men with their toughest test so far.

Ainley said: “We’re not getting too carried away, but we’re going well and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“Moorside are another step up. They have a lot of experience and will probably start favourites.

“But we can compete with anybody on our day and if we replicate what we have done in the first two games, then I think we will run them close.”

Peter Gill and Chris Moore have been key performers for Greenfield.

Gill has taken 12 wickets while Moore, who opted out of playing last season, struck 14 fours and three sixes in a knock of 113 last Saturday. Moore’s only other century (102 not out) was against Shaw in 2004.

Ainley added: “Chris coming in at number three is a big plus for us.

“He strengthens the top of the order and is also an excellent fielder.

“Peter is our secret weapon. I think he confuses batsmen with how slow he actually bowls.

“He had nought for 50-odd against Droylsden, then all of a sudden he had seven wickets.”

Moorside are on a recovery mission after they went down to Hollinwood.

They are boosted by the return of overseas amateur Lloyd Kingston, while professional JP Lee will be looking to carry on the good work with both bat and ball.

Lee claimed eight wickets while acting as deputy pro for Oldham on the opening day of the CLL season and he scored 81 for Moorside in that Hollinwood defeat.

Unless rain intervenes, something will give at Bamford Fieldhouse tomorrow.

Andy Barton’s boys entertain Austerlands with both teams looking to defend perfect records.

Bamford are also at home on Sunday — they play Saddleworth — while Austerlands host Gary Kershaw’s Friarmere, who broke their duck by easily overcoming Shaw.

Heyside, on the other hand, are still looking to get off the mark. They go to Friarmere tomorrow and welcome Hollinwood – who are without paid man Aamir Bashir – on Sunday.

Rick Harrington’s Shaw, who are also winless, visit Hollinwood and entertain Droylsden this weekend.

Uppermill captain Matt Taylor was none too pleased after seeing his side succumb to 141 all out at Austerlands last Saturday, and he will be hoping for a response at Saddleworth and at home to Stayley, who also take on Glodwick tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Bamford Fieldhouse v Austerlands; Droylsden v Moorside; Friarmere v Heyside; Hollinwood v Shaw; Saddleworth v Uppermill; Stayley v Glodwick. Open date: Greenfield.

Sunday: Austerlands v Friarmere; Bamford Fieldhouse v Saddleworth; Heyside v Hollinwood; Moorside v Greenfield; Shaw v Droylsden; Uppermill v Stayley. Open date: Glodwick.

Matches start at 1.45pm.


DELPH, one of three teams vying for the lead in premiership one of the Drakes Huddersfield League, play host to Elland tomorrow.

Grant Jones’ in-form side sit alongside Broad Oak and Skelmanthorpe on 12 points.

Honley, who are seeking a fifth consecutive title, have a solitary point to their name after two games.

Unbeaten Micklehurst, who are hot on the heels of the leading trio, visit Meltham.


WOODHOUSES got off the mark in the Lancashire County League with a three wicket-win over Dukinfield — and they will be looking to carry on the good work at Glossop tomorrow.

The Medlock Road outfit are also in action on Sunday when they entertain Irlam.