Fed-up Francis in quit shock

FRANCIS SUTHERLAND: “Tempted to burn kit.”

DISILLUSIONED Moorside captain Francis Sutherland has quit cricket.

The opening batsman decided enough was enough after a weekend which left him at the “end of his tether”.

He was frustrated by events at Stayley — see story below — and then watched in horror as his side crashed to 79 all out against Glodwick.

That defeat, by a 10-wicket margin, left Moorside with only winless Droylsden below them in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League table.

Sutherland, who was in his first year as skipper, said: “This season has been one of the worst experiences of my entire life and has put me off cricket for good.

“I’m tempted to burn my kit, because I don’t think I’ll be needing it again.

“Only four or five players seem to be interested in winning, while the others just feel obliged to turn up.

“We haven’t had the numbers at net sessions and there doesn’t seem to be any new blood coming through.

“I had high hopes at the start of the season. With a full-strength side I thought we’d be somewhere near the top, but things haven’t turned out that way.”

Moorside could only field 10 players against Glodwick, one of whom was only 12 years old.

Bowled out for their lowest score of the season, the game was done and dusted by 4.15pm.

Sutherland went on: “I wasn’t able to name a settled side and too many players were out of form.

“I think Richard Baines and myself are the only two batsmen to have scored in the region of 500 runs this season.

“Glen McFadyean did well with the ball and the pro, JP Lee, was a bit unlucky, but that’s about it.”

Sutherland (38) has had two offers to play elsewhere next year, but doesn’t intend to go back on his decision.

He spent his early career at Moorside, making up the first XI which then featured West Indies great Joel Garner, leading wicketkeeper Ray Gleave and top amateur batsman Phil Whitehead.

He also had stints at Shaw and Austerlands, before returning to Turf Pit Lane in 2002.

But he only came to the fore as a batsman in 2007 and 2008 when, on each occasion, he averaged more than 40.

Those displays, and his fine work in the field, earned Sutherland call ups to the Saddleworth League’s representative side.

Generally regarded as one of the good guys, he is big loss to Moorside and to the local game if he stays true to his word.