Last-ball kings do it again as Bamford succumb

CRICKET: LAST-BALL specialists Saddleworth inflicted more misery on reigning Saddleworth and District Cricket League champions Bamford Fieldhouse in another match that went right down to the wire.

A day after defeating Droylsden in the Tanner Cup by scrambling a run off the final delivery — see Page 32 — Steven Howard’s side held their nerve in a thriller at Hollin Lane.

Bamford, the hosts, required four runs from the last ball to overhaul Saddleworth’s total of 133 in a game reduced to 32 overs per side because of a rain-delayed start.

Martin Smith, looking to add to his 32 runs, instead found Peter Skuse, who gleefully completed a run out.

Paid man Skuse had earlier claimed four for 38 and team-mate James Chamberlain took four for 34. Simon Wright was the pick of the Bamford attack with six for 24.

The defeat, Bamford’s third of the season, leaves Paddy McKeown’s side down in eighth place, 40 points adrift of leaders Uppermill, who were without a league fixture this weekend.

Shaw are up to second after a 22-run defeat of Glodwick, who were Uppermill’s nearest challengers at the start of the day.

Heyside are right behind Glodwick in fourth after a seven-wicket victory at Friarmere — Liam Garnett collected five for 50 for Nick Campbell’s men — while Greenfield made it three wins on the spin against Moorside thanks to unbeaten knocks from Rahul Panta (79) and Adam Hayes (61).

After breaking their duck for the season in the Tanner Cup, Hollinwood followed up with their first league win in 2011, John Winterbottom making 47 not out in the seven-wicket success at Droylsden.

And Professional JP Lee (89) and Paul Barrow (85) inspired Stayley to a 51-run win at home to Austerlands.


Delph stun leaders
DELPH earned a superb victory at leaders Elland in the Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership.

Grant Jones’ side recorded 195 for five, with Bilal Khiljee making 53.

Then in-form Aaron Lilley claimed six for 36 as the home side fell 70 runs short of their target.