Forester blow big chance to go top

CRICKET: FORESTERS wasted a chance to take over the lead role in the Ashton and Oldham Cricket Alliance.

With Friends enjoying a weekend off, second-placed Foresters knew victory at Newtonhurst would lift them to the summit. But it was the hosts who came out on top.

Batting first, Newtonhurst made 124 for eight, with Tariq compiling a useful 47. The best of the bowlers was N Khan, who returned figures of three for 27.

In reply Foresters, were bowled out for just 98. Khan, with 28, was also the pick of the batsmen.

J Butterworth, with four for 24, and N Courtney (three for nine) did the damage with the ball as Newtonhurst claimed six points from the game.

A sixth-wicket stand of 58 between V Clark — he made a superb 96 — and A Hunter (21) helped Greengate, who were 77 for five, to a respectable 167 for eight against Heyside.

Once S Partington had gone for 23 the visitors were always struggling in their replay and were eventually bowled out for 82.

M Ball was the chief destroyer with excellent figures of seven for 35 from 10 overs.

St Mary’s HC and Europa Exiles had to settle for two points apiece after their game on Sunday fell victim to the weather.