Must do better — Lord

Brian Lord: Saddleworth’s fielding against Uppermill “abysmal”.

CRICKET: BRIAN Lord has called for his Saddleworth team to raise their game.

With a double weekend of fixtures on the horizon — his side play Hollinwood in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League tomorrow and Friarmere in the Twenty20 Competition on Sunday — the skipper has demanded his players up their performance levels.

Lord expressed his views after a 39-run defeat at Uppermill.

The wicketkeeper-batsman didn’t mince his words when asked about which areas need attention.

“Our fielding was abysmal and our shot selection was poor,” said Lord. “I think we dropped five catches, including Darren Shadford who was on nought and then went onto make 70-odd.

“Not taking that one chance made all the difference in the end.”

Saddleworth remain joint third in the table alongside Glodwick, despite the setback.

Leaders Heyside hope to succeed where Saddleworth failed tomorrow as they play Uppermill at Little Hey Street; while second-placed Bamford Fieldhouse go to Shaw.

Glodwick, who saw their five-match winning streak ended by Austerlands last weekend, visit Micklehurst, while Greenfield are targeting a sixth victory on the bounce in all competitions at home to Droylsden.

Just outside the top five, Moorside welcome Friarmere to Turf Pit Lane and Austerlands and entertain Stayley, who could find themselves bottom by tomorrow evening.



CLUBS have unanimously accepted Whalley Range into the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League for the 2014 season.

League secretary Trevor Harrison told Whalley officials of the unanimous yes vote after last night’s meeting at Uppermill CC. The club hasn’t yet confirmed acceptance of the welcome.

Whalley needs to resign from the Manchester and District Association by Sunday to take its place at Saddleworth for the start of next season. Whalley is believed to have made inquiries to other leagues, so its addition to the Saddleworth fold isn’t certain.