Bamford’s grip tightening

CRICKET: BAMFORD Fieldhouse moved a step closer to being crowned Saddleworth and District Cricket League champions after a 10-wicket demolition of Droylsden yesterday.

The hosts crashed to 87 all out.

A break for rain in the Droylsden innings meant the leaders’ already straightforward task was made easier – 80 runs in 40 overs. Victory was achieved in 14.2 overs.

By no means out of it yet, Uppermill need to bridge a gap of 19 points in the last two games of the season to keep hold of the title.

The lads from Leefields held it together against visitors Moorside, who were bowled out for 173 after being 49 without loss off nine overs at one stage.

Uppermill also made a bright start — openers Andy McVeigh and Michael Brooks added 43 in the first five overs — only to fall away to a worrying 91 for six.

But team made the revised target of 162 with three overs to spare.

Moorside remain third in the table, hope of claiming runner-up spot over.

Breathing down their necks are Saddleworth who overcame Shaw by 21 runs.

Hollinwood swept aside Friarmere by 223 runs at West View.

Skipper Mudassar Butt picked six for 26 in the home side’s woeful effort of 40 all out.

Hollinwood are joint fifth with Heyside, who recorded a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Austerlands at Little Hey Street.

Glodwick secured a third league win on the trot with 246 against Micklehurst at Castle Lane.

The Warren Lane outfit declared before dismissing the hosts for 131.

Jonathan Ainley grabbed five for 29 as Stayley crashed to 70 all out in reply to Greenfield’s 126.