Moorside have their tails up

Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League by KEVIN RICHARDSON
AFTER going a year without a win, Moorside are gunning for a third straight victory in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

However, skipper Lloyd Kingston is urging his players to “stay humble” as they prepare to welcome Greenfield to Turf Pit Lane tomorrow.

The mini-run run started against Saddleworth — it was their first win since May 14, 2011 — and continued at home to Droylsden in the first round of the Tanner Cup.

Boosting their hopes of completing a hat-trick, Moorside will have professional Stephen Grobler in the XI for the first time this weekend.

INELIGIBLE

The paid man missed the opening three league matches after being held up in South Africa, so he was ineligible for the Tanner Cup triumph.

The leg-spinner and batsman is eager for a taste of the action, and slots into a side full of confidence.

Two players at the top of their game are Francis Sutherland and Richard Baines.

Sutherland, managing an ankle injury, hit a ton against Droylsden, while fellow opener Baines has posted scores in the 40s in both wins this term.

Kingston said: “It’s amazing how things have suddenly clicked but it’s important - and I’ve told the players this - not to get too carried away.

“I want us to stay humble and keep doing the basics right. The two openers have got us off to good starts — they deserve a lot of credit.

“Francis is quite a character and always backs himself 100-per-cent. Sometimes, I can’t he believe he has time to play when you consider his tough work schedule, but he manages it.”

Of tomorrow’s other fixtures, after turning over Uppermill in the Tanner Cup, Glodwick tackle unbeaten Bamford Fieldhouse.

Stayley pro Kamran Hussain will look to follow up his superb 150 at Friarmere, Hollinwood — buoyed after a recent victory over Greenfield — entertain Austerlands, and Heyside head to Micklehurst searching for a first league win in 2012.

After back-to-back defeats, Saddleworth look to return to winning ways at Uppermill while Shaw and Droylsden, who both suffered cup-tie exits last weekend — lock horns at Holebottom Clough.

Fixtures —

Tomorrow: Friarmere v Stayley; Glodwick v Bamford Fieldhouse; Hollinwood v Austerlands; Micklehurst v Heyside; Moorside v Greenfield; Shaw v Droylsden; Uppermill v Saddleworth.

Sunday, LCB Cup, round two: Bamford Fieldhouse v Heywood; Heyside v Chorley.