Runners-up race heats up

CRICKET:

THOUGH Friends secured top spot in the Ashton and Oldham Alliance several weeks ago, latest results ensured the runners-up spot will not be settled until the final round of matches this weekend.

Foresters, Newtonhurst, Europa Exiles and Greengate are all in contention for second place.

Europa dismissed St Mary’s HC for 27, with Ashton and Oldham Alliance M Clinton claiming three for two and R Lawrence taking three for six.

The winning total was reached for the loss of two wickets, with Europa earning six points.

Hosts Heyside were 208 all out against Greengate, where S Hall notched 65, C Keogh added 49 and T Riddle mustered an unbeaten 26.

Greengate were bowled out for 137 after G Drew accounted for five wickets at the expense of 33, and T Robinson took three for 22.

R Jackson top-scored with 35 for Greengate.

At Foresters, Newtonhurst batted first and finished on 171 for four, with N Courtney producing an undefeated 69.

The home outfit were 30 runs short of their goal when the final wicket fell. K Stone claimed three for 17.

On Saturday, Newtonhurst take on Greengate and Friends entertain Foresters. Europa Exiles go to Heyside thirds 24 hours later.

Results: Europa Exiles 28-2, St Mary’s HC 27 all out; Heyside 208 all out, Greengate 137 all out; Foresters 142 all out, Newtonhurst 171-4.