Five wins on the trot for greenfield

CRICKET:

CONFIDENCE-fuelled Greenfield continued their march up the Versasteel Saddleworth and District League table thanks to a fifth straight victory at blustery Hollinwood.

Alex Peters’ side were always in command at Lime Lane against the gutsy hosts, whose fresh young team continue to show promise despite a six-wicket defeat.

In spinner and skipper Peters and pace-man Michael Bird, Greenfield have potent weapons with the ball, and that was highlighted perfectly as the pair put in a lengthy mid-opening innings spell which yielded six Hollinwood wickets.

The hosts responded gamely — and particularly so in a 47 partnership for the eighth wicket — but ultimately a total of 170 was never going to be quite enough.

Hollinwood eventually laboured their way to 170 as the dark clouds continued to threaten, though there were highlights before Liam Parfitt wrapped up the innings.

A taxi in the car park took a hit when Kashif Khan smashed a massive six off Peters, but it was a catch from youngster Parfitt that stole the show.

In reply Greenfield were rarely threatened, particularly so after professional Chris Gill (51) and man-of-the-moment Parfitt (36) had put on 73 for the first wicket.

Mohammed Shazad’s two wickets brought about a slight wobble as Hayes (four) and Dave Wood (three) went cheaply, but captain Peters led the visitors home to a maximum points haul as he ended the day on 49 not out.