Title race may go down to the wire

FIVE teams are in contention for top honours in the Ashton and Oldham Cricket Alliance.

Newtonhurst lead by two points, but Greengate, Friends, Europa Exiles and Radclyffe are hot on their heels.

S Potts scored a fine 64 for ’Hurst, who recorded 143 for seven at Foresters on Sunday.

The hosts were bowled out for 94 in reply, with K Stone taking three of the wickets to fall for 25 runs.

Greengate enjoyed a convincing win at home to Heyside thirds, who could manage only 79.

Clark and Simpson were the chief destroyers with four for eight and two for seven respectively.

After starring with the ball, Clark then did his bit with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 52 in the 10-wicket win. Shenton was the other not-out batsman on 22.

Friends maintained their title challenge with a maximum points win at home to St Mary’s HC.

Saints were grateful to D Cadman’s unbeaten 32 in a total of 101 all out. M Woods weighed in with 19, while Amin claimed three for 14 and Nasir two for 19.

At 55 for five in Friends’ innings, it was anyone’s game but a timely 45 not out from Amin clinched a five-wicket victory.

Europa Exiles lost ground at the top after they could only manage two points to Radclyffe’s four.

Taking first knock, Europa made 130 for nine. J Wharmby compiled 23, while S Grimes bagged three for 14.

M Chambers held the Radclyffe reply together with an excellent 51 as they reached their target for the loss of seven wickets.

R Lawrence was the best of the Europa bowlers with figures of three for 25.

Attention now turns to this weekend’s vital fixtures.

Newtonhurst, the leaders, are at home to nearest rivals Greengate on Saturday, Europa Exiles, in fourth, go to third-placed Friends and Radclyffe, in fifth place, entertain Foresters.

The other game, which takes place on Sunday, sees Heyside thirds welcome St Mary’s HC to Little Hey Street.