No slack as Adnan bags nine

CRICKET:

ADNAN Farooq was one wicket from bagging all 10 as Friarmere completed a weekend double in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League on Sunday.

The overseas amateur, from Pakistan, ripped through the Shaw batting line-up at Slack Lane to finish on nine for 22.

Requiring only 78 for victory, Friarmere reached their target with four wickets to spare.

The early conclusion meant Farooq, whose previous best in the league was eight for 66 while playing for Stayley in 2009, was able to catch Glodwick’s last-ball success against his former club.

Needing seven runs off the final over, last pair Matt Parkinson and Adam Brown kept their cool to clinch a hard-fought win at Warren Lane.

Recent signing from Austerlands, Mudassar Butt, scored 68, after being dropped on nought, in Stayley’s total of 187 for nine.

Heyside are the new team to catch after Nick Campbell’s unbeaten 94 sealed a five-wicket defeat of Hollinwood at Little Hey Street.

Mel Austin’s 83 not out overshadowed the exploits of professional Grant Hodnett (61) and Josh Tolley (76) for once as Bamford Fieldhouse climbed to second place with a 180-run win at Greenfield.

Leaders before the start of play, Saddleworth slipped to third spot after losing by seven wickets at Droylsden.

Another captain in form with the bat was Adam Young, who compiled 68 in Austerlands’ total of 214 for eight at home to Uppermill.

South African overseas amateur Francois Mostert struck 71 not out as Moorside, like Austerlands, regained the winning thread thanks to an emphatic 189-run defeat of Micklehurst at Turf Pit Lane.