Aslam proves a big hit

hitting the headlInes: Glodwick professional Imran Aslam smashed a century off only 34 deliveries.

CRICKET: IMRAN ASLAM was a man in a hurry on the opening day of the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The Glodwick professional smashed a century off only 34 balls against Stayley and in doing so nearly pulled off a stunning victory.

It was carnage at Millbrook as Aslam belted 12 fours and eight sixes. He reached 50 off 19 deliveries and his ton 15 balls later.

The opener was eventually out for 103 after hoisting Glodwick to 134 in just eight overs.

The Pakistani’s efforts bettered that of fellow countryman Shahid Afridi, who hit a century off 37 balls in a one-day international against Sri Lanka in 1996.

Glodwick captain Nigel Stock said: “It was good fun. There was a big crowd and he kept everyone entertained.

“We only had a limited amount of overs to bat, so I gave the top four a free rein as they are all decent hitters.

“Imran had recorded a first-class century from 46 balls, so he has history, and we were playing quite close to the edge of the square.”

Stock added: “I think Stayley were a bit shell-shocked. The ball was flying about all over the place.”

Ronnie Cameron, one of five bowlers used by the home side, went for 55 runs in three overs of mayhem.

A two-hour delay in the Stayley innings meant Glodwick only had 16 overs to reach their target of 229, which equated to 14 runs an over.

And when Aslam was striking the ball to all parts of the ground, the impossible looked on.
They were still on course for a remarkable win until an over was lost to rain.

To the relief of Stayley and their followers, Glodwick’s run chase ended on 213 for seven.


UPPERMILL and Bamford Field-house managed to get a jump on their rivals on the first day of the season.

The first ball was bowled at 1.29pm — 16 minutes before the match should have got under way.

Does this really matter? Yes it does actually. What if Uppermill or Bamford Fieldhouse had acquired a bonus point moments before rain stopped play and the difference between first and second or qualification for next year’s LCB Cup was a solitary point? Clubs would be up in arms.

Fortunately, for the people involved, the heavens opened with Uppermill 60 for one.

If the umpires or players had any doubts as regard to the start time — it has always been 1.45pm for as long as I can remember — then they should have referred to the top of Page 22 in the league handbook.