Khiljee’s endurance trip

CRICKET: DELPH overseas player Bilal Khiljee travelled for 30 hours after the volcanic ash chaos — and played for the club on the same day he arrived.

In a journey even the most avid globe-trotters would struggle to enjoy, Khiljee took an eight-hour drive from his home to Lahore. From there flew to Russia, then onward to Geneva.

Next up for the resilient star was a flight into Heathrow — where Delph member Les Harrison collected him for the five-hour drive to Oldham.

The pair arrived in the town at 3am on Saturday — and Khiljee bowled 22 consecutive overs that same afternoon, taking four wickets!

Captain Grant Jones said: “It just shows his dedication. He was the pick of the bowlers as well.”

After two defeats on the bounce in the Drakes Huddersfield League, Delph take a break from league action tomorrow, when they travel to Lepton Highlanders in the Romida Sykes Cup first round.

Jones said: “We have never won this cup before so it is something that is eating away at us.”




MICKLEHURST are also chasing Romida Sykes Cup glory tomorrow, at Broad Oak.



President Duncan Ross feels confidence in the ranks is growing, despite two defeats in the Frank Platt Championship.

He said: “We have a lot of new players so it can’t all gel overnight.

“The Broad Oak game could be quite difficult because they have scored a lot of runs this season, but we are looking forward to it.




IN the Lees Brewery Lancashire County League, Woodhouses are looking to build on their convincing opening-day victory at Dukinfield when they host Woodbank tomorrow.



But skipper Mike Cassidy admitted his men will have to be at their best to deal with the threat of visiting batsman Neil Ridehaugh.

Cassidy said: “It will be a tough game and ‘Riddy’ scored 105 for them against Denton on the first weekend.

“He’s been a good player over the years and he’s definitely one to be wary of.”




Heyside aim to follow up



HEYSIDE, who made a flying start by defeating Hollinwood on the opening day of the 2010 Saddleworth and District Cricket League season, will be looking to carry on the good work at Droylsden tomorrow.



Meanwhile, Moorside will be wary of the threat posed by big-hitting Imran Aslam when they go head to head with Glodwick on Sunday.

The Pakistani all-rounder blasted a century off only 34 deliveries against Stayley in the first round of matches.

Fixtures —

Tomorrow: Moorside v Stayley; Shaw v Friarmere; Saddleworth v Uppermill; Bamford Fieldhouse v Austerlands; Greenfield v Hollinwood; Droylsden v Heyside. Open date: Glodwick.

Sunday: Stayley v Friarmere; Glodwick v Moorside; Uppermill v Shaw; Austerlands v Saddleworth; Hollinwood v Bamford Fieldhouse; Greenfield v Droylsden. Open date: Heyside.