Moorside in the mood to deliver

GLEN McFADYEAN is in top form with the ball for Moorside

Saddleworth Cricket League preview

BUOYED by a couple of strong performances, Moorside go in search of more Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League points tomorrow.

Francis Sutherland’s side go to third-placed Saddleworth, hoping to build on a win and a draw in the Whit derby duels against Austerlands.

They dominated the first encounter at Thorpe Lane — they won by nine wickets — and were on course for victory in the return fixture until time ran out.

Moorside boast two seam bowlers at the top of their game in ex-captain Lee Warburton and Glen McFadyean.

The pair claimed 16 of the 19 Austerlands wickets to fall over the two days. McFadyean was the chief destroyer, with two five-wicket hauls.

Saddleworth are on a recovery mission after they lost to neighbours Greenfield.

It was a hiccup in what has been a good start to the season for Peter Skuse’s outfit.

Shaw professional Warrick Fynn came good against Heyside last weekend and captain Rick Harrington will be hoping for a similar show when Austerlands visit Holebottom Clough.

Fynn, from South Africa, held the innings together, carrying his bat for an excellent 90 in the three-wicket win.

Harrington was delighted with his pro and, with the confidence gained from a decent stay at the crease, he will be looking to build on that performance.

Greenfield recorded their first win in the league since the start of May when they overcame Saddleworth.

Tomorrow they visit Stayley who have to go back to April 26 — the first game of the season — for their only success in the league so far.

Ronnie Cameron’s side have racked up plenty of runs, but they can’t get over the winning line.

Stayley hit 244 against Bamford Fieldhouse and 212 at home to Hollinwood, but lost on both occasions.

They amassed 231 for one against Droylsden, but were denied certain victory when rain stopped play with their opponents doomed on 43 for six.

Glodwick are in good heart for the visit of Droylsden.

Nigel Stock’s side defeated Hollinwood last weekend and it was the first time they had posted more than 200 runs in a game this season.

They were helped by their opponents having only 10 men, but that should not detract from a fine performance from the Warren Lane gang.

Fingers crossed, Hollinwood will field a full contingent for their home fixture against Uppermill.

The visitors have had an up and down season so far. Swept aside by Bamford Fieldhouse a couple of weeks ago, a Zeeshan Khan-inspired victory over Friarmere would have reaffirmed their belief.

After a weekend off from league action, Bamford’s position at the top of the table seems stronger than ever.

None of their nearest rivals were able to take advantage of the Hollin Lane outfit’s inactivity.

Although their lead has been cut to four points, Andy Barton’s side have two games in hand.

They are unbeaten and will fancy their chances of making it seven wins out of eight at Friarmere.

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

Sunday: JW Lees Inter-League Trophy: Bolton League v Saddleworth and District Cricket League (at Eagley CC, start 1.30pm).


THE Saddleworth League’s representative team play the Bolton League in round one of the JW Lees Inter-League Trophy at Eagley CC on Sunday (1.30pm).

UPPERMILL, the last surviving team from the Saddleworth League in this season’s Barclays Wealth LCB Knock-out Cup, are at home to Bolton League outfit Westhoughton in round three on Sunday (start 1.30pm).