Uppermill gain their revenge to extend lead

FETCH THAT! Saddleworth batsman Ian Hague hits a boundary off Moorside bowler Jordan Whyatt.

CRICKET: LEADERS Uppermill avenged last week’s Tanner Cup defeat by Glodwick — but they were made to fight every step of the way in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League encounter at Leefields.

Alex Griffiths’ high-flyers secured maximum batting points after being dismissed for 219, Dave Wood top scoring with 48.

Pro Rehan Rafiq hit 60 before he was run out and Atif Khan was unbeaten on 44, but Glodwick fell 16 runs short of victory. Paid man Imran Aslam claimed five of the wickets to fall for 84 runs.

With second-placed Heyside enjoying a free weekend and Shaw losing narrowly to Austerlands, Uppermill have opened up a 41-point advantage.

Saddleworth are up to third place after demolishing basement boys Moorside at Well-i-Hole.

Captain Steven Howard compiled 83 not out in the home side’s total of 221 for seven, before Australian pro Peter Skuse took five for 36 as Lloyd Kingston’s men crumbled to 71 all out.

Shaw have dropped to fourth place after failing by four runs to overhaul Austerlands’ score of 205 at Nursery Fields.

The game featured brothers as opposing captains, Adam Young for the home team and elder sibling Andy for the visitors.

And it was Adam who emerged victorious, despite the efforts of deputy pro Yasir Shah.

A member of the Pakistan squad which toured Ireland recently, the leg spinner bagged eight for 68 as a replacement for fellow countryman Khurram Shehzad, who was on duty for Faisalabad in a Super Eights competition.

Humayun Farhat hit 92 for Austerlands.

Friarmere made it three league wins on the spin with a 59-run defeat of Droylsden, who were bowled out for 108.

Aussie pro Josh Butler did the damage, taking seven for 31 for the West View outfit, while team-mate Atiq Ur Rehman struck 51.

Bamford Fieldhouse, thanks to a 125-run stand between wicketkeeper Neil Williams (80) and Peter Roberts (58), rattled up 246 for seven against Stayley at Hollin Lane.

Steve Bird’s side managed 54 in reply. Mel Austin was the chief destroyer, claiming six for 20 from 10 overs.