Aslam’s timely intervention lifts Glodwick

RAIN played havoc with Saturday’s programme in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League — but not before Glodwick crushed Uppermill by 144 runs in a top-five clash.

All but two of the six division one fixtures ended in draws, and the match at Leefields seemed to be heading in the same direction until the timely intervention of Glodwick professional Imran Aslam.

With the weather closing in, the Pakistani all-rounder removed Michael Salmon, Matt Bradbury and Cec Wright to complete a hat-trick and end Uppermill’s resistance on 123. Moments later, the heavens opened.

Aslam, who scored 61 in Glodwick’s total of 267 for six, finished with figures of six for 31. Shahid Mahmood also had a good day with 67 and two for 52, while Imran Khan claimed two for 11.

Uppermill spinner James Baron came in for some fearful stick, with his 17 overs costing 93 runs. Matt Taylor’s 10 overs went for 69 runs.

Shaw were back up to second on Saturday night after an emphatic eight-wicket defeat of 10-man Hollinwood at Lime Lane.

Rashid Khan was the only player from the home side to show any resistance by making a stubborn 56 in a total of 150.

Richard Harrington, with an excellent 90, led the way in reply as Shaw reached their target with plenty to spare.

The remaining four games all finished as draws because of rain, including the top-of-the-table showdown between Bamford Fieldhouse, the leaders, and Heyside at Little Hey Street.

Bamford were in the driving seat when the weather intervened.

After making 286 for eight — Simon Marshall and Dave Roberts scored 92 and 61 respectively — they had reduced Heyside to 119 for four when time was called. Heyside pro Roelof Hugo was still at the crease on 58.

Moorside still had a bit of work to do to achieve victory in a low-scoring game at Friarmere.

A superb spell of bowling from Lee Warburton — the seamer bagged eight for 30 — reduced the hosts to 89 all out.

But Moorside also had their tribulations with the bat and were 56 for five when play was halted. Australian pro Josh Butler captured four of the wickets to fall for 18 runs.

Stayley were 139 for one — Honey Garg was the man out on 69 — in reply to Austerlands 194 for six, for whom Adam Young was unbeaten on 75.

Droylsden were also one wicket down on 131, chasing 167 for victory against Saddleworth at Oakfield.

Scores —

Division one: Austerlands 194-6 (Ad Young 75 not out), Stayley 139-1 (H Garg 69) — draw; Saddleworth 166-7, Droylsden 131-1 (A Uppal 69 not out) — draw; Friarmere 89 (L Warburton 8-30), Moorside 56-5 (J Butler 4-18) — draw; Bamford Fieldhouse 286-8 (S Marshall 92, D Roberts 61), Heyside 119-4 (R Hugo 56 not out)— draw; Hollinwood 150 (R Khan 56), Shaw 151-2 (R Harrington 90); Glodwick 267-6 (I Aslam 61, S Mahmood 67), Uppermill 123 (I Aslam 6-31).

Division two: Heyside 112, Bamford Fieldhouse 77; Glodwick 209-7 (D Symonds 59), Uppermill 40 (A Hussain 8-11); Friarmere 76 (J Howarth 5-41), Moorside 82-9; Droylsden 151 (P Evans 88), Saddleworth 152-1 (B Lord 85 not out); Shaw 97 (N Hussain 5-11), Hollinwood 98-4; Stayley 182 (M Buglass 80 not out), Austerlands 110.