Last-eight place up for grabs at Leefields

CRICKET:

UPPERMILL are flying the flag for Saddleworth and District Cricket League at Leefields on Sunday.

Alex Griffiths’ side are at home to Heywood, from the Lake Garage CLL, in round three of the LCB Cup.

It’s a big opportunity for leaders Uppermill, for whom professional Imran Aslam is well on the way to a 100 wickets for the season, to showcase their talents outside of the Saddleworth League.

But they will have to be at their best to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Heywood are currently sixth in the CLL and their key player is captain Bobby Cross.

The prolific batsman returned to form with an unbeaten 91 against Middleton on Sunday, taking him past the 10,000 runs milestone for his club at the age of 28.

Heywood’s professional is hard-hitting batsman Andrea Agathangelou, the Lancashire CC second XI captain, who will play providing he is not required by his county.

Meanwhile, Uppermill have an immediate chance to avenge their midweek Tanner Cup defeat by Glodwick.

Skipper Griffiths will be hoping it was just a bad day at the office, but Uppermill have lost two of their last three games and will look to get back on track as the league enters its second half.

With nearest rivals Heyside enjoying a free weekend, tomorrow’s clash also represents a chance to build a big lead.

Shaw, in third place, go to mid-table Austerlands, while Saddleworth, who suffered their first defeat in 10 games when they lost to Bamford Fieldhouse in midweek, play host to basement boys Moorside.

Fixtures: Tomorrow: Austerlands v Shaw; Bamford Fieldhouse v Stayley; Droylsden v Friarmere; Hollinwood v Greenfield; Saddleworth v Moorside; Uppermill v Glodwick. Open date: Heyside. Matches start 1.45pm. Sunday, LCB Cup, round three: Uppermill v Heywood (2pm).