Bamford in cruise control

Leaders closing in on title hat-trick

ONLY a huge dip in fortunes can prevent Bamford Fieldhouse from claiming a hat-trick of Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League titles.

As the season reaches its half-way mark, Andy Barton’s boys have built up a commanding lead of 50 points. They also possess a game in hand.

But there is quite a battle going on for second place, with Austerlands, Saddleworth and Glodwick separated by the width of a baby stick insect.

Tomorrow sees Austerlands visit Stayley, who continue to pile up the runs.

The Millbrook outfit have scored more than 200 in five of their last six matches, while the last time Austerlands batted, on June 13, they scraped home by two wickets after requiring only 78 to beat Shaw.

Saddleworth have an open date, while Glodwick are at home to last season’s runners-up Heyside.

Glodwick caused a shock by defeating Mark Barnes’ side in the corresponding fixture 12 months ago, and victory could see them reach their highest ever position since they entered the league in 2007.

Hollinwood warm up for Sunday’s Tanner Cup semi-final with a trip to Droylsden, while Friarmere go to Greenfield, who somehow managed to two draw both their games last weekend even though neither was affected by rain.

The other fixtures see Bamford make the trip to Moorside, who were expected to challenge for the title but have so far underachieved.