Glodwick in strong start

IN THE GROOVE . . . Rehan Rafiq, of Glodwick, has already shown his class.

TWO wins out of three — and a draw — represent an encouraging start to the Saddleworth and District Cricket League season for Glodwick.

Victories over Uppermill and Shaw have put Nigel Stock’s men in good heart for this weekend’s double-header.

First up are Hollinwood who have been spirited by a comfortable win over Stayley.

Glodwick’s opponents on Sunday are the Millbrook outfit, who face a summer of struggle. With no professional — Kamran Hussain is waiting for a visa — and absent overseas amateur Ryan Nurse, skipper Ronnie Cameron has big gaps to fill.

Glodwick, on the other hand, look reasonably well-equipped in each. Two of their key players, professional Rehan Rafiq and Shahid Mahmood, have hit 70 not out and 95 respectively.

They complement each other perfectly, with Mahmood keen to get on with it and Rafiq a steadying influence who often sees an innings through.

The remaining semi-final and final of the league’s Twenty20 Cup competition, held over from last season, takes place at Micklehurst on Monday.

Heyside and Friarmere meet in the semi-final (1pm), with the winners playing Hollinwood (4pm).

Also on Monday, Matt Taylor’s Uppermill play host to Whalley, from the Ribblesdale League, in the first round of the LCB Cup (1.45pm).