Greengate hit the heights

CRICKET: GREENGATE capitalised on Friends’ open date by moving to the top of the Ashton and Oldham Cricket Alliance table with a maximum six-points win over Foresters.

Batting first, Greengate posted 152 for nine, V Clark top-scoring with 31.

In reply, their opponents were all out for 115. B Ahmed made 28, while M Ball claimed five for 36.

Europa Exiles earned a six-point haul at the expense of Heyside thirds, who were dismissed for 71. N Jarvey claimed five for nine.

Europa cruised to an eight-wicket triumph, S Bradbury contributing an undefeated 27.

The following day, Foresters saw off Heyside thirds in a re-arranged game.

M Kazi smashed 108 not out as Foresters reached 237 for seven.

Their opponents crashed to 68 all out, K Guduru taking three for seven.

Newtonhurst clinched victory at St Mary’s HC, scoring 185 for seven thanks mainly to S Potts’ 61. K Laurence took four for 29.

In reply, the hosts were dismissed for 94, N Courtney claiming three for 11.

With Greengate sitting out the final round of fixtures, Friends need two points from their match at Heyside on Sunday to take the title.



Springhead slump to derby defeat

FAILSWORTH Macedonia earned a seven-wicket win against Springhead in the Site Electrical North Manchester Cricket League.

Springhead recorded 144 for seven before their opponents reached their target with plenty to spare.

In division two, Saddleworth thirds, chasing 132, claimed victory over Littleborough thirds with four wickets in hand.

And the winners were back in action 24 hours later, this time dismissing Greenmount seconds for 136 before cruising to a nine-wicket win.

Division four action saw Austerlands thirds race to 290 for five against Springhead seconds, who could only muster 112 for nine in reply.