Griffiths: We can last the distance

CRICKET: UPPERMILL skipper Alex Griffiths admits it is “crunch time” in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District League — but insists his side can stay the course at the top of the table.

The Leefields outfit currently boast a 14-point lead over Saddleworth and the latest test of their title credentials comes in this weekend’s double-header.

Tomorrow they travel to Heyside, who occupy third position, before entertaining mid-table Austerlands 24 hours later.

“We are definitely entering crunch time now — it is the business end of the season,” said wicket-keeper Griffiths.

“There is no reason why we cannot stay at the top of the league until the end of the campaign.

“I have told the lads to just keep playing the way they have been since the first game. If we can all do that we should be fine.”

Griffiths admitted Heyside represent a major obstacle — but believes the pressure is on Nick Campbell’s team to earn a positive result.

He added: “With Heyside trailing us in the table they simply have to win to keep up the pressure.

“I expect it to be a tough game. They are no mugs and they haven’t reached third place by accident.

“There are no easy games. Austerlands are a difficult side to overcome because they play better cricket against the top four or five sides and only seem to struggle against teams near the bottom.”