Hodnett’s runs blitz rocks Stayley

CRICKET:

Grant Hodnett has now struck double hundreds in each of his three seasons in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League, courtesy of his latest onslaught.

Following on from exactly 200 against Friarmere in 2011 and 216 not out against Micklehurst almost 12 months ago to the day, the Bamford Fieldhouse professional smashed 208 against a Stayley outfit shorn of a professional and overseas amateur.

It was Hodnett’s first on home soil in a massive 374 for two. Faced with a short boundary in front of the Hollin Lane clubhouse and a much longer one up the hill, the former Gloucestershire player hit 11 sixes and 11 fours in his 142-ball stay at the crease.

To complete a miserable afternoon for Ronnie Cameron’s men, Stayley were skittled for just 84.

They actually lost nine wickets, but Craig Smith was unable to continue batting after he sustained a finger injury. Babar Khan claimed the last three victims in successive balls.

Stayley were not alone in failing to break 100 — in fact three of the top five teams in the embryonic table before the start of play all fell short of three figures.

Greenfield could only manage 68 at Shaw.

Pro Peter Skuse picked up for six for 26 as Moorside slumped to 70 all out at home to leaders Saddleworth, who secured a 98-run victory

Friarmere also got off the mark for 2013 after they dismissed visitors Austerlands for 96. Wasim Hussain claimed five for 48.

After being reduced to 94 for six, Hollinwood showed plenty of spirit to reach 179 for nine in a niggly match against Glodwick at Lime Lane.

Michael Blomley (115) became the first Micklehurst player to hit a century since their return to the league in 2012, but he could not save his side from a 37-run defeat at home to Heyside.

Zahir Khan (75) and Saif Ur Rehman (five for 47) were Droylsden’s main men as they swept aside Uppermill by 165 runs at Oakfield.