Stakes are high at Hollin Lane

Saddleworth and District Cricket League

UPPERMILL put their Armstrongs Saddleworth and District Cricket League title credentials to the test at Hollin Lane tomorrow.

Alex Griffiths’ side, unbeaten since losing their opening match of the season, visit reigning champions Bamford Fieldhouse.

Uppermill could land a telling blow to their hosts’ chances of a fifth successive crown.

But Bamford, who have lost as many games in the first third of the campaign as they did in the league in 2009 and 2010 combined, will see the showdown as a big opportunity to make up ground.

The stakes are high, and Griffiths (pictured, above) knows only too well the importance of the game.

He believes his side are equipped to deal with any challenge that is thrown at them, especially after they dug themselves out of a hole against Droylsden last Saturday.

Needing 199 for victory, Uppermill were 81 for five at one stage, before 52 from Nathan Boote and Matt Taylor’s 48 saved the day.

“That game would have slipped away from us last season, but there’s more experience in the dressing room these days,” said the wicketkeeper.

“There is a good balance in the side and everybody knows their role, but we’re not getting carried away.

“Bamford are an excellent side, but we’re good enough to win and it’s a chance for us to turn the screw.”

Bamford will have a new face in their ranks for the — Kyle Hodnett, the younger brother of club professional Grant and a former junior cricketer for the MCC.

The South African-born right-arm fast/medium bowler has signed from Birmingham League outfit Old Hill.

The 24-year-old has also featured in three games for Worcestershire seconds this season and played for Berkshire in the Minor Counties Championship in 2010.

But Simon Marshall, who topped last season’s amateur batting and bowling averages, has joined Bowdon in the Cheshire Premier League after his registration was cancelled by Bamford.

Defeat for Uppermill could leave the way open for Shaw to go top of the table.

Andy Young’s team hit the road to Moorside, who have lost their last five league and cup games.

Fixtures —

Tomorrow: Bamford Fieldhouse v Uppermill; Friarmere v Saddleworth; Glodwick v Austerlands; Greenfield v Heyside; Moorside v Shaw; Stayley v Hollinwood. Open date: Droylsden. Start 1.45pm.

Sunday — Readers Lancashire Inter-League Trophy: Saddleworth and District Cricket League v Bolton League (at Moorside CBC, 1.30pm).