Identical scores leave tie in balance

CONFUSION reigned at the end of the Twenty20 Cup encounter between Glodwick and Droylsden.

For the first time in the competition’s four-year history, there was a tie. Glodwick were bowled out 149, while Droylsden recorded an identical score for the loss of five wickets.

Umpires and players thumbed, unsuccessfully, through the rules to find a section on tied matches.

Instead, the Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s executive committee are expected to make a decision this week.

Of the first-round matches, Nick Campbell was unbeaten on 70 and Ben Holt made 45 as Heyside, in response to Hollinwood’s 172 for six, won by two wickets with nearly four overs to spare.

Mudassar Butt was 94 not out and professional Asif Iqbal took five for 18, but their efforts for the Lime Lane outfit were in vain.

Captain Rick Harrington (64) and paid man Warrick Fynn (59) put on 130 in just 11 overs to help last season’s beaten finalists Shaw to 190 for five against Stayley. Lou Adair took three for 20.

Despite 72 from pro Rehan Rafiq, Stayley were restricted to 150 for seven. Young Adam Good claimed two for 40.

Saddleworth are also through to round two after a three-wicket win over Friarmere, who were bowled out for 146.

Scores are —

Round one: Friarmere 146, Saddleworth 150-7; Glodwick 149, Droylsden 149; Hollinwood 172-6 (M Butt 94 not out), Heyside 173-8 (B Holt 45); Shaw 190-5 (R Harrington 64, W Fynn 59, L Adair 3-20), Stayley 150-7 (Rafiq 72, A Good 2-40).