Peter pans Mill in fairy-tale return

TAKE THAT . . . . Paddy McKeown pulls Andrew Veigh to the boundary.

CRICKET: PETER Roberts, with a nearly a run-a-ball 63, laid the platform for Bamford Fieldhouse’s Tanner Cup triumph at the ground where he first put bat to ball as an eight-year-old.

The all-rounder spent many a happy summer evening playing cricket at Uppermill’s Leefields venue, but there was no sign of sentiment in a one-sided final.

Man-of-the-match Roberts (24) and skipper Paddy McKeown steered Bamford through choppy waters after they had lost four wickets with only 77 runs on the board.

The pair added 87 in 18 overs to set the Hollin Lane outfit on their way to a 105-run success and a second consecutive Saddleworth and District Cricket League double.

Roberts silenced a decent crowd, including several in fancy dress, with a quality innings which featured seven fours and a six.

He never offered a chance, and in former Lancashire player McKeown had a steadying influence at the other end.

Uppermill were building up a head of steam when the duo came together.

The hosts were on a high after they removed opener Simon Marshall for six, Roberts’ elder brother Dave for 19, Lancashire professional Stephen Parry for 30 and Jack Kelliher for 10.

Another wicket at that stage and revenge for last season’s final defeat would have been in the offing.

But Roberts and McKeown had other ideas and they gradually put their side back on an even keel.

The Bamford captain, who had already survived a difficult chance, was first to yield for a fine 53.

Attempting to block a James Baron delivery, he was bowled behind his legs.

Simon Wright hit a sprightly 22 from 19 balls before he became the second of Mark Lees’ three victims — he finished with figures of three for 47 from nine overs — and when Roberts eventually fell to Michael Brooks, Bamford were firmly in control.

For good measure, Martin Smith made his presence felt with a couple of lusty blows for six to lift his side to 238 for eight.

Uppermill, looking to avoid a third Tanner Cup final defeat in 11 years, needed a flying start.

They got one of sorts as Andy McVeigh hoisted Mel Austin over the pavilion in the very first over to lift expectations of the home supporters, but the wily old campaigner responded by trapping the opener lbw for 14.

Brooks and Matt Jackson added 26 before the former was stumped by Jason Maher off Parry for 16.

Jackson (12) quickly followed suit to leave Uppermill 48 for three.

Nathan Boote and Baron held up Bamford with a belligerent fourth-wicket stand, and while they were at the crease Uppermill held a glimmer of hope.

However, the run-rate was up to almost nine an over, and a change of pace was urgently required.

The partnership had mustered 54 when Boote, looking to increase the tempo, holed out to Wright on the deep mid-on boundary for a stubborn 28.

Dave Wood made only three before Baron, after smashing four fours and a couple of sixes, was caught by Dave Roberts for 39.

Matt Taylor, Ian Johnson and captain Alex Griffiths came and went in an instant.

The game was virtually up for Uppermill. Not even ‘Banana Man’‚ watching from the boundary edge, could save them now.

In a last show of defiance, Lees hit Marshall for six. Moments later, Marshall picked up his fourth wicket (for 31 runs). It was all over.