Acid test for Hollinwood

CRICKET:

AS weekends go this season, it won’t get much tougher for Hollinwood, who have the unenviable task of facing Bamford Fieldhouse twice in as many days.

It’s that time in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League when the traditional Whit double-headers take centre stage.

And Hollinwood’s Bank Holiday challenge is to try to get the better of a Bamford side who have so far shown no mercy to their opponents.

Unbeaten in the league, through to the second round of the Tanner Cup and victorious against top CLL side Heywood in the LCB Cup, Paddy McKeown’s men are at the top of their game.

Hollinwood aren’t in bad touch themselves, despite having registered professional, wicketkeeper Atiq Ahmed, stuck in Pakistan because of a hold-up in paperwork.

Two wins in the league and a Tanner Cup triumph has put the Lime Lane lads in good heart, but Bamford represent a different challenge altogether.



Like Bamford, Uppermill also boast a 100-per-cent record in the league, and their opponents are Friarmere, who were unable to chase down 151 against Stayley recently.

Heyside professional Gerrie Snyman hit the headlines last weekend by registering a ton, a half-century and two five-wicket hauls.

The Namibian gets his first taste of derby action when Shaw call at Little Hey Street.

The visitors are looking to end a run of three straight defeats in the league.



Put in their place by Bamford, Glodwick take on Droylsden.

Nigel Stock’s men shouldn’t expect an easy ride as the Oakfield side showed plenty of spirit to beat Shaw recently.



Saddleworth and Greenfield’s duel started today, with the return fixture at Ladhill Lane tomorrow.

And Micklehurst, back in the league after a spell in the Huddersfield competition, resume hostilities with Stayley.





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