Friarmere on a roll

ANDY WALKER . . . Bad luck with injuries.

CRICKET: FRIARMERE are riding the crest of a wave in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Bottom at the end of May, the West View outfit have turned their season on its head by winning six league games on the trot . . . and all but one without the services of captain Andy Walker.

They are up to sixth place and are now fixing their sights on qualifying for next season’s LCB Cup.

Walker has played one match since May 30, against Bamford Fieldhouse, due to injury.

Recalling that game, the wicketkeeper said: “I played against Bamford as we were short of numbers, but I was only able to field because of my shoulder.

“I was at mid-on and Mark Chadwick hit the ball towards me, but I misjudged the catch, it ended up going for six and I fell on to a bench and cracked a rib.

“That was on June 27 and I’ve been told it could be up to eight weeks before I play again.”

Walker isn’t surprised by Friarmere’s sudden change in fortunes.

Under Gary Kershaw, who is struggling against a bad knee injury, and experienced opener Darren Graham, they have beaten the top three in the table — Bamford (weakened team because of National Knockout Cup commitments), Heyside and Shaw in the last month.

Walker said: “We definitely underachieved in the early part of the season.

“There were games we should have won but didn’t for one reason or another.

“We dismissed Moorside for 148, but were then skittled for 100, which was typical of how we were playing at the time. If we bowled well, we batted poorly or the other way round.

“We are now a lot more consistent now, and it has been a real collective effort.

“The likes of Zafar Iqbal, Asif Qayyum, Waheed Iqbal, Atiq Ur Rehman and our professional, Josh Butler, have all played their part.”

Walker was full of praise for 19-year-old Australian pro Butler — in his first at Friarmere — and Kershaw in developing the club’s youngsters.

The under-17s are in the Romida Trophy final, while the under-15s are going well in their division.

Walker added: “Josh is a nice guy and is fantastic with the juniors. He hasn’t missed an under-15 or under-17s match yet this season.

“Gary works really hard. He is at all the net sessions and attends every game.”