Uppermill clinch dramatic victory

Royton and Crompton won the Oldham Schools under-15s cricket title for the fourth year in a row. This year’s successful team (pictured) defeated Saddleworth in the final, at Heyside Cricket Club.

UPPERMILL may be without a win in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League under-17s league, but their knock-out form is a different matter.

The Leafields lads booked their place in the final of the Romida Trophy with a dramatic win over Droylsden.

Having restricted Droylsden to a modest 83 for eight from their 20 overs (Daniel Bacon 5-21 off five), Uppermill seemed to be coasting to victory in reply.

However, two crazy run-outs and the introduction of James Barnett to the Droylsden attack soon changed things. Barnett took two wickets for six runs from five overs.

After a second stoppage for rain, Uppermill resumed needing seven runs off four balls but had to wait until the last delivery before Joe Crowther’s boundary produced a tie - the Leafields outfit going through by virtue of losing fewer wickets.

The other semi-final between Stayley and Austerlands was completely rained off and they will try again tonight.


AT under-13 level, Sunday’s entire programme was washed out, meaning Saddleworth A are the undefeated champions with Moorside runners-up.

Limited action among the under-15s saw Saddleworth A defeat Moorside. Bradley Hadfield made 40 and K Scott took two for 13 as Saddleworth post 105 for five. Hadfield followed up with four for five as Moorside were restricted to 59 for eight.

Shaw B made 96 for four (M Singleton 38) against Austerlands who replied with 98 for two (Andrew Cadd 32no, Luke Du Feu 34no).

These results leave Heyside A on 42 points, with one rearranged match to play meaning they can reach a maximum of 44.

Saddleworth A are on 36 and can reach a maximum of 42, Shaw A are on 32 and can reach 40. The teams meet next week at Shaw.