Leaders not so friendly to rivals

CRICKET: FRIENDS continued their winning streak at the top of the Ashton and Oldham Alliance courtesy of a maximum points win at home to Heyside thirds.

Batting first, the hosts were bowled out for 127, the majority of which came from Amjad (85).

G Drew claimed four for 13 for Heyside.

The visitors struggled against the Friends bowling attack and were dismissed for 66, Umar taking four for two.

At Newtonhurst, Europa Exiles were struggling on 42 for six before R Lawrence (50) and D Lloyd (24) helped them reach 156 for nine.

J Butterworth enjoyed a return of four for 25 for Newtonhurst, but their batting was not up to scratch and they exited for 79, R Lawrence accounting for three wickets at the expense of nine runs.

Bad weather saw St Mary’s HC versus Greengate reduced to 35 overs per side.

R Jackson made 62 as Greengate finished on 163 for seven.

In reply, St Mary’s hung on for a point at the close on 109 for nine. S Jolley mustered an unbeaten 53.