Uppermill shock Saints

CRICKET: UPPERMILL, from the Armstrong Office Furniture Saddlewoth and District Cricket League, recorded a stunning victory over St Anne’s in round one of the LCB Cup.

A terrific display from the Leefields attack saw the home side, who are second in the Northern League, slump to 137 all out in 41 overs. Michael Brooks claimed three for 33, while Matt Taylor (two for 26) and James Baron (two for 33) bagged a couple each.

Former Bamford Fieldhouse pro Dinuka Hettiarachchi was dismissed for a duck and was later wicketless from eight overs.

A knock of 75 from paid man Imran Aslam, who was promoted to open the innings, lifted Uppermill to 123 for four from 25 overs, at which point the rain arrived. However, St Anne's conceded the tie.

Meanwhile, Glodwick, leaders of the Saddlewoth League, put Friarmere in their place at West View.

Rehan Rafiq's maiden ton for the Warren Lane outfit — the Pakistani hit an unbeaten 107 — set up a daunting total of 259 for four in a match reduced to 38 overs per side because of a rain-delayed start.

The professional was ably supported by Shahid Mahmood's rapid half-century — he blasted six sixes and two fours in an 18-ball 56 — and 51 from overseas amateur Aneese Ur Rehman.

Friarmere, without influential all-rounder Zafar Iqbal, top-order batsman Darren Graham and wicketkeeper Andy Walker, slumped to 16 for seven before eventually succumbing to 105 all out.

Uppermill had a good weekend. They are the nearest challengers to Glodwick after registering a 10-run defeat of Heyside at Leefields.

Captain Alex Griffiths' fine 71 helped his compile 201, before paid Imran Aslam took centre stage, claiming eight for 84 as the visitors fell short of their target.

Humayun Farhat made it back-to-back tons for Austerlands, who climbed to third place with a 14-run defeat of Hollinwood at Lime Lane.

The Pakistani struck 116, while team-mates Adam Young (58) and Ryan Garlick (five for nine) also played their part in securing victory.