League has got talent

Cricket

DARREN SHADFORD’S approach to Sunday’s JW Lees Inter-League Trophy first-round tie is quite simple.

“My aim is to bowl them out as quickly as possible, knock off the runs and be home for Songs of Praise,” said the Bamford Fieldhouse all-rounder.

Shadford captains the Saddleworth and District League against the Bolton League, the holders, at Eagley CC (start 1.30pm).

A first selection for the league’s representative side has completed a notable treble for the former Lancashire player.

While at Oldham he was called up by the CLL and his exploits at Delph earned him a place in the Huddersfield League team.

Shadford has experience of leading a side as well as he captained Werneth before his switch to Bamford.

He is in charge of the strongest league side assembled in recent years.

Shadford’s partner at the top of the order is Richard Baines, who has carried on where he left off in 2008 when he averaged almost 50. He is up to 64 this season.

Francis Sutherland, Gareth Dent and Mudassar Butt, who batted so well in defeat against the Ribblesdale League last season, are also in good nick and have been retained, while Shadford’s team-mate at Bamford, Peter Roberts, is always a reliable performer.

Shadford will play a key role with the ball. The 34-year-old’s medium-pacers have been a revelation this season, taking 17 wickets at just 10.05 apiece.

Alongside Mohammed Shazad, Dave Oldfield and Liam Garnett — all three are making their debuts — they form a solid seam attack.

Garnett and Oldfield, former club-colleagues at Austerlands, are also more than capable batsmen.

Hollinwood’s Rashid Khan, another survivor from 2008, is a rare breed in that he is a leg-spinner who takes wickets and restricts runs.

He was the league side’s best bowler last season, claiming two for 22 from his nine overs. One of his wickets came courtesy of an Alex Griffiths stumping, and the Uppermill wicketkeeper again take his place behind the stumps.

Teams are —

Saddleworth League: D Shadford (capt), P Roberts, L Garnett (all Bamford Fieldhouse), R Baines, F Sutherland (Moorside), M Butt, R Khan, M Shazad (Hollinwood), A Griffiths (wkt, Uppermill), G Dent (Droylsden), D Oldfield (Austerlands). 12th man: S Sadaqat (Hollinwood).

Bolton League: C Barrow (capt), T Barrrow, S Foster, W Halton, P Ingram, D Jones, D Partington, L Perry, S Hornby, J Reynard, N Partington.


PLAYERS are asked to meet at Mumps Station car park at 11.15am on Sunday. Bus to leave 11.30am prompt.