Batsmen fail to deliver

GREENFIELD batsman Ryan Fitton survives a big appeal from Micklehurst bowler Nicky Lawrence.

UPPERMILL saw their 15-point lead evaporate on Saturday after a five-wicket defeat at nearest rivals Bamford Fieldhouse in the Saddleworth and District League.

Stoppages for rain triggered the Weathertime system, with the players leaving the field three times in the first innings at Hollin Lane.

The elements were unable to save an Uppermill side dismissed for 130 in 44.4 overs. A disappointing effort with the bat would have been a good deal worse but for a 46-run partnership for the seventh-wicket between professional Darren Shadford (32) and skipper Alex Griffiths (25).

Coming together at 56 for six, they lifted Uppermill beyond three figures, before an unbeaten 22 from Dave Oldfield secured a second batting point.

The hosts required 109 in 35 overs and won comfortably

Hollinwood, starting the day in third place, had to settle for a draw against visitors Glodwick.

Moorside appeared on course for a fourth win on the spin after Francois Mostert’s superb figures of eight for 51 left Shaw reeling at 116 all out at Turf Pit Lane.

Rain in the first innings meant the home side required 109 in 39 overs, but they managed a meagre 75.

Chris Gill hit 85 and Ryan Fitton 49 as Greenfield bounced back from two consecutive defeats to record a cosy win over Micklehurst at Ladhill Lane.

Heyside pro Gerrie Snyman produced a match-winning knock of 98 not out at Saddleworth, for whom opposite number Aussie Peter Skuse compiled an excellent unbeaten 115.

Also victorious on Saturday were Friarmere at Austerlands and Droylsden over Stayley. Gareth Dent, with a half-century, and five-wicket man Saif Ur-Rehman were Droylsden’s star performers.










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