Six-wicket Heaton rolls back the years

TONY HEATON turned back the clock as Heyside scraped home by one wicket against Glodwick in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League on Saturday.

The seamer, who played his part in the Little Hey Street outfit’s successful spell of the mid-1990s, returned season’s best figures of six for 69 at Warren Lane.

Heaton’s more recent role has been side-kick to captain Mark Barnes — the pair orchestrated the team’s Tanner Cup glory last season — but he hasn’t lost all his old ability with the ball as Glodwick, who had an eye on second place, were bowled out for 186.

Imran Aslam so nearly spoiled Heaton’s day, the Pakistani professional taking five for 67, but vital half-centuries from Scott Bloor (54) and Stuart Moore (57) helped Heyside past the post by the narrowest of margins.

Austerlands remain in second place, albeit 56 points adrift of Bamford Fieldhouse, after posting a draw at Stayley.

Paid man Rehan Rafiq struck his first century of the season, an excellent 121, in the home side’s total of 223.

Austerlands, who were having their first competitive bat for three weeks, were 209 for eight when time ran out.

James Baron was among the wickets for Uppermill, who climbed four places to fifth with a six-wicket win over Shaw at Holebottom Clough.

The left-arm spinner claimed five for 19 as Rick Harrington’s men were dismissed for 83. Wicketkeeper Alex Griffiths, who claimed five dismissals, made 46 in reply.

Hollinwood, minus skipper John Winterbottom, are up to fourth after a 78-run defeat of Droylsden at Oakfield.

Michael Schofield took five for the home side, who required 199 for victory. But they fell some way short on 120 all out as their search goes on for a first win of the summer.

At the other end of the spectrum, Bamford Fieldhouse continued their relentless march towards the title after they won their 10th league game out of 12 — the other two were drawn — at Moorside.

The hosts did well to restrict the runaway leader to 202. Lee Tracey took five for 59, while Darren Shadford stuck around long enough to make 54.

Francis Sutherland scored 68 in reply, but the captain had little support as Moorside were limited to 150 for nine.

Greenfield finally made it win number four of the season — they had drawn their two previous games — after defeating second-from-bottom Friarmere at Ladhill Lane.

Zafar Iqbal held the visitors’ innings together with a fine 90 out of a total of 176, but Jonathan Ainley’s side reached their target for the loss of five wickets.

Scores -

Division one: Hollinwood 198 (M Schofield 5-105), Droylsden 120; Glodwick 186 (T Heaton 6-69), Heyside 188-9 (S Bloor 54, S Moore 57, I Aslam 5-67); Friarmere 176, Greenfield 180-5; Bamford Fieldhouse 202 (D Shadford 54, L Tracey 5-59), Moorside 150-9 (F Sutherland 68); Shaw 83 (J Baron 5-19), Uppermill 84-4 (A Griffiths 46); Stayley 223 (R Rafiq 121), Austerlands 209-8 — match drawn.

Division two: Austerlands 168-8 (C Wardle 5-52), Stayley 116; Moorside 93 (S Barrett 5-29), Bamford Fieldhouse 98-2; Friarmere 89 (J Khalil 6-9), Greenfield 90-2; Glodwick 178-9 (I Robinson 40), Heyside 182-6 (A Dexter 62); Droylsden 131 (D Evans 75, N Heap 5-29), Hollinwood 133-0 (S Meredith 82 not out, G Harrison 45 not out); Shaw 230-6 (M Good 101), Uppermill 234-6 (M Naveed 104, G Crossley 69).