Saddleworth narrow gap

Photo: PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND.

GOT HIM: Greenfield batsman Chris Gill can't believe he is out as Uppermill's bowler James Baron and wicketkeeper Alex Griffiths appeal.

CRICKET:

WHILE Saddleworth and Bamford Fieldhouse were thwarted by the weather on Saturday, it was the turn of title rivals Uppermill to sit out yesterday’s action in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The leaders were left twiddling their thumbs as a saturated outfield at Glodwick wrecked any chance of play.

Saddleworth’s match away to Micklehurst went ahead, and they narrowed the gap to 12 points after victory.

The hosts picked up maximum batting points for the first time this season — they posted 204 for nine — but, set a revised target of 180, Steven Howard’s men won by eight wickets.

Rain also interrupted Bamford’s game at Austerlands, who slumped to 128 all out.

Heyside secured their second league win of the season after a 22-over thrash at Moorside — but only just.

Greenfield are going along nicely in fourth. Ryan Fitton maintained his fine form — he hit a half-century 24 hours earlier against Uppermill — by making 88 in the Ladhill Lane outfit’s six-wicket defeat of Droylsden.

Friarmere ruined Shaw’s bid for a fourth league win on the bounce with a seven-wicket victory.

Stayley are on cosying up to fifth place after a 30-runs win at Hollinwood.



FRIDAY’S deluge prompted the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League to carry out Saturday morning ground inspections.

Half-a-dozen umpires covered the 14 venues — only three matches in Division One got the green light.

James Baron took five for 48 and Nathan Boote scored 67 as Uppermill overcame Greenfield by seven wickets at Leefields.

At Castle Lane, Shahid Naseer blitzed an unbeaten 91 for Hollinwood, who reached their target of 126 set by hosts Micklehurst with all 10 wickets intact.










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