Captain stays positive

CRICKET:

IT wasn’t the start Heyside had hoped for in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League — but captain Nick Campbell is sure things will pick up.

The Little Hey Street outfit lost to Stayley on the opening day of the season and were rocked by reigning champions Uppermill 24 hours later.

Heyside were unable to budge professional Kamran Hussain (86) and overseas amateur Usman Malvi (76) on Saturday, while spinner James Baron (seven for 48) did the damage on Sunday.

“We didn’t really perform in either match,” said all-rounder Campbell. “Scott Bloor got a good 50 against Stayley. We were 40 for four and needed someone to stick around.

“After scoring more than 200, I fancied our chances, but the two lads who got the runs are decent players and won the game for them. On Sunday we played too many bad shots. It was as simple as that.”

After the setbacks, Campbell is looking for a positive response from his players — and is confident of getting one, starting on Saturday at home to Friarmere.



GRANT Hodnett scored 60 and Paddy McKeown 56 as Bamford Fieldhouse beat Bowdon in round of the National Knock-out.

The Saddleworth League outfit reached 181 for five in the tie reduced to 30 overs per side because of rain. Former Lancashire wicketkeeper Warren Hegg chipped in with an unbeaten 34.

In reply, Bowdon, from the Cheshire County League, were restricted to 140 for eight.

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