Moorside hit by body blow

CRICKET: IF being dismissed for under 100 runs on consecutive days isn’t bad enough, Moorside are now without a professional for the rest of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League season.

Pro Qaser Rashid has been ruled out for the remainder of 2011, because of personal reasons.

On his return to the Turf Pit Lane outfit — he was the club’s pro in 2000 and 2001 — the all-rounder was averaging exactly 44 after three appearances.

Because Rashid is neither injured nor has received an international call-up, Moorside cannot play a deputy pro.

Captain Lloyd Kingston said: “It’s a massive blow and we’re all a bit shocked

“We’ll miss him, because he’s such a fine player, but we’ve got to move on and try to replace his runs.

“The other players will have to step up to the plate and we’ve already talked about that.”

Moorside started well by winning three of their opening five league games.

However, it all went pear-shaped last weekend. After crashing to 52 all out at Friarmere — they were chasing 100 for victory — they then succumbed for 71 against Glodwick, who romped home by 10 wickets.

Kingston, who is also the club’s overseas amateur, said: “We had a chat after the weekend and re-evaluated our goals for the season.

“The loss of the pro will obviously have an impact, so now we’ll be looking to finish in the top six and have a good run in the cups.

“Everyone has got to take responsibility and raise their game.

“Teams do get rolled over for next to nothing — that’s cricket. It’s how you react to it that’s the important thing.

“With Francis Sutherland, Richard Baines, Danny Anchor, myself, Chris Entwistle and Miles Barnes, we’ve got a strong top order.

“I’m also positive if we put 160 on the board, we can defend that with our bowling attack.

“We’ve got to get confidence levels up again, and the only way to do that is by getting on with it.”