Greengate set up final date

GREENGATE will go head to head with Friends in the final of the Ashton and Oldham Alliance Twenty20 shield competition.

Both team recorded comfortable victories and will meet at the Lancaster Club on Saturday.

Greengate, thanks to an excellent knock of 63 from Adam Simpson and 33 from Vinny Clarke, amassed 156 against Europa Exiles.

The best of the bowlers was Neil Jarvey, who finished with figures of three for 29.

Europa were soon behind the required run-rate, and they could only must 72 for seven from their 20 overs.

Mike Clinton top-scored with 22, while Richard Jackson bagged three for five to help seal Greengate’s place in the final.

In the other last-four tie Friends, with Rasheed unbeaten on 61, made a useful 172 for four against Radclyffe.

In reply, Radclyffe were restricted to 138 for eight. R White (24) and S Wright (18 not out) were chief contributors with the bat.

Omar and Umer did the damage with the ball, returning three for 18 and two for 23 respectively.

Foresters booked their ticket for the final of the plate competition after a dramatic last-ball win at Newtonhurst.

G Boyle made 23 for the home side, who were bowled out for 114. D Wallbank took three for 10 and I Bailey three for 11.

A fine 42 from M Kazi kept Foresters in contention, but they still required 16 from the final over — and they clinched victory thanks to a wide on the sixth delivery.

N Courtney (two for 14) and G Boyle (two for 23) were the best of the Newtonhurst bowlers.

St Mary’s HC got off to an excellent start at Heyside thirds in the other semi-final — A Cadman compiled a quickfire 36 — as they made 128 for seven.

S Jolley was 32 not out, while M Topping took two for 22.

Heyside were on course for the final but, when D Hall was dismissed for an excellent 54, they lost momentum and closed on 116 for seven. T Smith and R Omerod claimed three wickets apiece for Saints.

The Lancaster Club will also host the plate final on Saturday (start 12.30pm), which will be followed by the shield final.

On Sunday, teams will compete in the Peter Tobin six-a-side competition at Ashton Cricket Club (start 1pm).