Tanner Cup final delay

THIS season’s Tanner Cup final between Greenfield and Bamford Fieldhouse, scheduled for Sunday, is almost certain to be delayed, writes KEVIN RICHARDSON.

Losing semi-finalists Uppermill have appealed against the Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s decision to reject their claim with regard to the validity of Greenfield professional Kamran Hussain’s sick-note.

The all-rounder has yet to play a game for Greenfield this season because of a back injury and is still in Pakistan.

Delph’s overseas player Bilal Khiljee deputised for Hussain in the last-four tie against Uppermill on July 18, which Greenfield won by 18 runs.

With only six days to go before the final at Greenfield’s Ladhill Lane ground, the league need to act fast in order to go through the due process of organising and staging an appeal in time. It seems more likely that the league will postpone the final until the matter is resolved.

The game could be played on August 22 – reserve day for the Moore Cup final – or August 29, set aside as a back-up date for the Tanner Cup final.