Boyle the inspiration

NEWTONHURST surged six points clear at the top in the Ashton and Oldham Cricket Alliance after victory over Foresters.

Thanks to an excellent knock of 52 from G Boyle, and supported by K Buckley (27) and M Boone (27), Newtonhurst scored 156. The best of the bowlers was I Bailey, with four for 12.

In reply, only H Bailey, with 34, showed any resistance to the Newtonhurst bowling attack as they were bowled out for 83.

G Boyle completed a fine afternoon’s work by claiming five for 26.

Visitors Greengate had a superb day with the bat at Heyside thirds, amassing making 315 for nine.

There were excellent contributions from A Simpson, who led the way with 77, V Clark (65), J Fairclough (52) and T Nixon (43). G Scoltock took three for 43.

The home side were always struggling against a good bowling attack, slumping to 105 all out. R Jackson was the chief destroyer with four for 18.

Like Newtonhurst, Greengate also picked up six points.

St Mary’s HC, the hosts, took first guard against Friends and made a more than respectable 193.

D Ferrington and S Jolly were among the runs with 67 and 38 respectively.

But Friends made light work of the target, passing the winning post with seven wickets to spare in only 18 overs.

Rasheed smashed 94, Amjad was 43 not out and Amin hit 37.

M Clarke made 61 and A Bruce 39 as Europa Exiles reached 220 for nine at Radclyffe.

The pick of the home side’s bowlers was I Johnson, who had figures of four for 25.

Radclyffe fell just short in their push for victory. They needed seven runs off the final over, but lost their last wicket on 216.

R White (63), M Chambers (47), R Steel (33) and A Campbell (31) all made useful contributions — but to no avail.

P Hodgson, with figures of five for 33, and M Clarke (three for 60) were the main wicket-takers for Europa.