Imran returns to haunt Glodwick

Photo: Chris Sunderland

CLEANED UP . . . Glodwick batsman Brad Heap is bowled by Austerlands hero Imran Aslam.

CRICKET: LAST year's losing Tanner Cup finalists Glodwick tripped at the first hurdle when they were comprehensively beaten by Austerlands at Warren Lane.

Despite a breathtaking start - courtesy of Shahid Mahmood's rapid 37 from 11 balls and a half-century from professional Rehan Rafiq - the hosts slipped to a six-wicket defeat.

And it was Glodwick old boy Imran Aslam who did the damage with five wickets for 13 runs from his nine overs.

The professional Pakistani leg-spinner ripped out the middle order as the home side disintegrated to 151 all out.

Opener Mahmood had earlier smashed four fours and three sixes in his short stay, helping to put 50 on the board in just half-a-dozen overs.

He fell to Dave Oldfield, while number three Rafiq (50) was brilliantly run out by skipper Adam Young.

The only other Glodwick player to reach double figures was Imran Asghar with 10.

Heyside, the holders, were grateful to pro Gerrie Snyman's unbeaten 103 as they defeated Micklehurst by three wickets at Castle Lane. Craig Lawrence made 82 out of the home side's total of 203 for eight.

Without a win in the league, Uppermill are saving their best for the cup as they swept aside Saddleworth by 122 runs at Leefields. Dave Roberts (89) and Andy McVeigh (42) lifted the hosts to 211, before Mark Lees‚ with a haul of four for 37, helped to skittle the visitors for just 89.

Mudassar Butt’s superb 138 was in vain as Stayley, defending 254, suffered a three-wicket loss at home to Greenfield, for whom pro Chris Gill (51) and Ryan Fitton starred with the bat.

Kashif Khan and Abdul Khan, with 74 and 59 respectively, set Hollinwood on their way to a match-winning total of 221 for eight at home to Friarmere, who managed 148 in reply.