Afzal no respecter of reputations

CRICKET: REPUTATIONS counted for little as Hollinwood’s Aamir Afzal launched Bamford Fieldhouse pair Chris Schofield and Marlon Black — two former Test players — to all parts of Lime Lane on Saturday in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The former Swinton Moorside batsman struck an unbeaten 75 from 67 balls — he hit eight fours and five sixes — in the home side’s total of 221 for eight.

However, rain scuppered any chance of a positive result. Leaders Bamford, set a revised target of 137 off 22 overs to make it five wins out of five, were 18 without loss when time was called.

Schofield, the former Lancashire and Surrey leg-spinner, got some frightful stick, with his 15 overs going for 85 runs. Schofield’s last 12 balls went for 35 as Afzal ran riot.

Even with no professional or overseas amateur, Hollinwood look a good outfit, and this was by no means a one-man show.

Mudassar Butt, a class act in the amateur ranks, made 33. He put on 58 for the third wicket with sound left-hander Bilal Hassan (29), who played for Monton and Weaste in the CLL last season.

After becoming the first side to post more than 115 against Bamford in the league this term, let alone 200, Hollinwood fancied causing an upset. Ultimately, the weather denied both teams the chance of victory.