Captain keeps lid on expectations

CRICKET: RESURGENT Droylsden are determined to keep their feet firmly on the ground.

After no league wins in 2009, the Oakfield outfit have found some form, with victories in their last two games against Saddleworth and Shaw.

New boys Wasim Quasim, Mohammed Shakir and Saif Ur Rehman have made all the difference to Droylsden’s fortunes.

Brought in to boost the bowling attack — they also are no mugs with the bat as Saif scored a century against Saddleworth — they have provided a platform for veteran professional David Lees to keep a tight rein on the batsmen with his nagging line and length.

Captain Michael Schofield said: “Wasim is probably the quickest bowler in the league, while Shakir and Saif just put it on the spot.

“Whereas he used to open the bowling, David now comes on as first change, which has taken the pressure off him.

“With four bowlers, it means we fancy our chances of defending totals of 200 plus, whereas last season it would have been all over with 10 or so overs to go.

“We’re not getting too carried away, but we would like to think that we can finish in the top half of the table.”


UPPERMILL’S reward for beating Great Harwood in the LCB Cup is a second-round home tie against Hindley St Peters, from the Manchester and District Association.


BAMFORD Fieldhouse eased into round two of the National Knockout Cup with a six-wicket win at home to Bootle.

Martin Smith took five for six in seven overs as the Merseysiders crashed to 146 all out.

Captain Paddy McKeown was unbeaten on 49, while opener Simon Marshall compiled 46 in Bamford’s reply.


CHRIS Lee had an over to remember while playing for Saddleworth seconds against Droylsden.

His first three balls were each smashed for six, but he hit back by taking a hat-trick with his last three deliveries of the over — and all were stumped by Brian Lord!