Local leagues suffer exits

CRICKET: THE Saddleworth and District Cricket League suffered a first-round defeat in the Reader Inter-League Competition for the fifth consecutive season — but they gave the Manchester and District Association a run for their money.

In a match reduced to 26 overs per side because of rain, Danny Anchor’s side closed their innings six runs short of victory after posting 141 for nine at a gloomy Stretford Cricket Club. Paceman P Mather was the chief destroyer with five for 25 from seven overs.

The Manchester Association had the better of the conditions and posted 146 for three.

D Lees was the pick of the batsmen, making a fine 85 before he was caught by Shaw wicketkeeper Steve Whiston off Rashid Khan, who replaced Heyside’s Steve Firth from the original XI.

Khan was the Saddleworth League’s main threat — the Hollinwood spinner claimed one for 20 from four overs — while the other wicket-taker was Heyside captain Nick Campbell, who removed S Belston for 29. K Anderson was run out for two.

Despite fading light, the Saddleworth League were going well on 130 for five, only to lose four wickets for 11 runs.

Moorside’s Anchor led the way on 47 and Stayley opener Honey Garg, who came in for Francis Sutherland, hit 30.

Colts: Saddleworth League 102-6 (A Peters 49), Ribblesdale League — rain stopped play, draw.




THE Lake Garage CLL suffered an all-too-familiar fate in the first round of the Reader Inter-League Competition at Middleton yesterday.



They lost a bowl-out 3-1 against the Ribblesdale League after rain washed out play with the visitors on 95 for four.

But the CLL colts won their match against the Manchester Association at Wythenshawe.

They restricted their opponents to 128 for eight and, chasing a revised target of 96, were well ahead of the required rate with 55 from the first 10 overs when rain had the final say.