Take a bow

Uppermill chairman’s praise
CRICKET: UPPERMILL chairman Chris Bird reckons the club’s second XI can take some of the credit for the first team’s success in the Armstrong Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League this season.

Boasting a healthy lead, the Division One title looks to be heading to Leefields for the first time in almost three decades.

And there will be double cause for celebration if the seconds manage to win Division Two.

Mr Bird said: “We have a strong second team, which means there is strength in depth at the club.

“Some first XIs more or less pick themselves with eight or nine players guaranteed a place, but that is not the case at Uppermill.

“Selections meetings this season have thrown up plenty of debate, with second-team players putting pressure on their counterparts in the firsts.

“That’s how it should be. It keeps players on their toes and it shows that the club is in a healthy position.”

Mr Bird also lauded the impact of professional Imran Aslam, who became the first player to top 100 wickets in a campaign since Flowery Field’s Mohammed Azim achieved the feat in 2001.

The Pakistani all-rounder is on 109 wickets. The league record of 160 set by Heyside’s Dion Taljard in 1996 is out of reach.

“Imran has been a revelation,” said Mr Bird, who is in negotiations with the player over a contract for next season.

“He’s also a nice chap and gives great support to the rest of the team in a quiet but effective manner.

“We knew when we signed him for this season that if he played to his potential we would be difficult to beat and that’s how it has tuned out.”



MILES Barnes, of Moorside, has been hit by a three-game ban.
The all-rounder was reported by umpires for acting in a threatening and abusive manner in the fixture against Stayley on July 31.

Saddleworth League officials reduced the suspension from four to three matches because Barnes, a former Stayley player, apologised for his actions afterwards.

The ban starts on Saturday.