Friends move to the top

WITH Greengate not playing, Friends took advantage and moved to the top of the Ashton and Oldham Alliance table with a four point win at Europa Exiles.

Batting first, Friends got off to a good start, putting on 43 for the first wicket.

After a fifth wicket partnership between Amin on 47 and Tanveer with 23, a big score looked likely.

But they lost their last six wickets for only six runs, to finish on 136.

P Hodgson took three for 21. Hodgson was dismissed for 28 and Europa batted out the overs for two points, finishing on 114 for nine.

Foresters earned a maximum points win at home to Heyside thirds 24 hours later.

The visitors were bowled out for 163, McLoughlin posting 69, while Ahmad claimed five for 33.

Guduru’s solid 42 helped the hosts reach their target with four wickets to spare.

Results

Friends 136, Europa 114-9; Heyside thirds 163 all out, Foresters 166-6.