Rankine shines for Shaw

CRICKET:

ONE could only image what kind of damage Oral Rankine would inflict on a hard playing surface.

Shaw's tall West Indian overseas amateur had the Hollinwood batsmen ducking for cover in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League clash at Holebottom Clough on Saturday.

He probably felt short-changed then with figures of two for 36, such was his impact in helping to seal an 85-run run success over the team that started the day in second place.

Mbane and Rankine also played their part with the bat, scoring 38 and 22 respectably in Shaw's total of 211 for five.

Along with Joe Whitehead (39), they backed up Abdul Fazil, who continues to impress in his first season at Shaw.

With nine fours and two sixes, the right-hander finished unbeaten on a fine 86.

Missing captain John Winterbottom and Aamir Afzal, the Hollinwood batting line-up lacked a bit of depth, and from 46 for one, they stumbled to 50 for four.

Shazad Butt (24) and Arslan Dar (10) stopped the rot by adding 37 runs, but once that partnership was broken, the lads from Lime Lane were virtually done for.

Of the four other matches to go ahead — there was no play at Friarmere or Glodwick because of wet outfields — Uppermill maintained their position at the top of the table with a emphatic 156-run win at home to Austerlands.

Andy McVeigh and Darren Shadford, with 74 and 62 not out respectively, were among the runs for 'Mill, while Paul Thompson was in the wickets (four for 20).

Bamford Fieldhouse are up to second place after a seven-wicket victory over Stayley, who bowled out for 144 despite 91 from pro Kamran Hussain.

Moorside, thanks to a 155-run win at basement side Micklehurst, are fourth in the table, while Heyside's paid man Gerrie Snyman hit 57 and took five for four in a 186-run mauling of Droylsden, who managed 59 in reply to 245 for eight.



HOLLINWOOD beat holders Saddleworth in the Twenty20 Cup, sponsored by Per-Fit Windows.

There were also wins for Friarmere and Moorside who, along with Hollinwood, join Heyside on finals' day, Bank Holiday Monday, August 27, venue to be decided.












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