Business as usual for dominant Bamford

Cricket:

NO side has dominated the Saddleworth and District Cricket League more than Bamford Fieldhouse.

Six titles in the last eight years are proof, if any was needed, that the Rochdale outfit are the dominant force.

Reigning champions Uppermill pushed Bamford to the last day of the season — it was also the second day of autumn — but the outcome was never in doubt.

With the visitors to Leefields requiring only a handful of points, it demanded a huge dip in performance to let in their hosts.

It did not happen. Minus first-team regulars Dave Oldfield, Andy McVeigh, Matt Taylor and Dave Wood, Uppermill were up against it from the off.

Professional Darren Shadford, facing his former club, Michael Bird and Danny Gartside did take the fight to Bamford, but their collective efforts were in vain as their opponents cruised to a five-wicket victory.

To put their rivals under pressure Uppermill had to bag maximum batting points (five) by reaching 200 and avoid losing eight wickets in the process. They achieved neither.

Once number nine batsman Martin Salmon was trapped lbw by Martin Smith, the terribly-nice Hollingworth Challenge Cup was heading back to Hollin Lane.







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