Leefields lads a step closer

CRICKET: UPPERMILL took another step towards a first Armstrongs Saddleworth and District Cricket League title since 1984 on Saturday.

The lads from Leefields swept aside close rivals Saddleworth by eight wickets at Well-i-Hole.

Professional Imran Aslam and Mark Lees did the damage, claiming four wickets apiece, as the hosts were skittled out for 115 in a game reduced to 33 overs per side because of a rain delay.

Opener Andy McVeigh, with an unbeaten 55, saw Uppermill across the winning line.

Greenfield managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in a dramatic game against Glodwick at Ladhill Lane.

Alex Peters’ men were 153 for seven, requiring just five more runs to win, when Imran Asghar returned to the attack to clean up the tail.

The all-rounder took four for 21 in his second spell of 3.3 overs, including the wicket of former captain Jonathan Ainley, whom caught off his own bowling.

Atif Khan had earlier scored 52 for Glodwick, adding a vital 78 for the fifth wicket alongside Bhuddi Mirando.

Bottom-of-the-table Moorside also threw away a winning opportunity at home to Friarmere. Chasing 104 to record their first victory in the league since May 14, Lloyd Kingston’s side were 81 for three, only to collapse to 89 all out, with Aussie pro Josh Butler picking up six for 26.

Ben McNamara, with five for 61, was Moorside’s star performer with the ball.

Shaw had a comfortable afternoon against Stayley, courtesy of Jawed Haq’s impressive display with the ball.

The overseas amateur, from Pakistan, weighed in with six for 13 to send the visitors to Holebottom Clough spiralling to 71 all out.

Joe Whitehead got stuck into the bowling with an unbeaten 55 in Shaw’s reply.

Droylsden remain one place below Shaw in sixth after an eight-wicket defeat of Austerlands at Nursery Fields.

Mark Peters hit 51 in the home side’s total of 169, but his effort was in vain as 78 not out from captain Michael Schofield guided Droylsden to victory.