No pals’ act for Friends

CRICKET: LAST season’s beaten finalists Newtonhurst recorded an excellent win in the quarter-finals of the Ashton and Oldham Cricket Alliance’s Phoenix Trophy competition.

At home to Friends, they accumulated 150 for seven from their 35 overs. G Boyle led the way on 48, while Rashid and Amjad claimed two for 16 and two for 37 respectively.

Despite useful contributions from Nasser (29), Amin (25) and Mohsin (21), Friends were dismissed for 136 in reply.

For Newtonhurst, M Boone claimed three for 30 and Boyle completed a good afternoon’s work by registering figures of three for 38.

S Jolly hit a fine 62 for St Mary’s HC, who made 156 for six against Europa Exiles.

Jolly came in after three balls and was run out off the last delivery of the innings. He was ably supported by D Ferrington (32 not out) in a sixth-wicket stand of 56. P Hodgson picked up three for 35.

Europa’s reply subsided to 108 all out. A Hodgson, with 59, scored more than half of the runs, while Ferrington (three for 10) and D Lomas (two for 14) were among the wickets.

Visitors Greengate, featuring a fine 59 from M Shenton and 48 from A Simpson, amassed a daunting 244 for seven against Foresters.

H Bailey took three of the wickets to fall for 33 runs and J Lomax claimed two for 28.

J Yates struck 41 in reply and M Kazi made 27, but their efforts were in vain as they were bowled out for 177. V Clark took four for 39.

Heyside thirds are the other team through to the semi-finals. They were handed a bye after holders, Radclyffe, resigned from the Alliance.

Friends, Europa Exiles and Foresters will compete in the Fawcett/Penney Supplementary Trophy.

Scores —

Newtonhurst 150-7, Friends 136; St Mary’s HC 156-6, Europa Exiles 108; Greengate 244-7, Foresters 177.