Thumbs-up for new clubs

CRICKET: LOCAL clubs have said yes to South West Manchester and Wythenshawe joining the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

All 14 delegates voted in favour of the clubs’ applications at an extraordinary general meeting, which took place after the August monthly meeting at Uppermill Sports Club last night.

Bamford Fieldhouse were allowed a vote, even though they will not be part of the league make-up in 2014, having been thrown out for rule breaches.

With South West Manchester and Wythenshawe having followed the lead of Whalley Range, the Saddleworth League will boast a healthy 16 clubs next season.

Meanwhile, mid-table Friarmere have the chance to ruffle a few feathers during the penultimate weekend of First Division action.

The Slack Lane outfit host current leaders Bamford Fieldhouse tomorrow, then 24 hours later they travel to Glodwick to take on an in-form side who are currently in the runners-up spot.

Bamford’s home match against Micklehurst, scheduled for Sunday, has been switched to Saturday, September 14 – six days after the season was due to finish.

The league’s executive committee have agreed to Bamford’s request to move the fixture as it clashed with the date for their LCB Cup semi-final at Northern League side Barrow.

Bamford are the reigning champions of the competition, the 2014 final of which is on Sunday, September 15.

Hollinwood, who won their first match in almost two months last weekend, will hope to carry on the habit at Moorside tomorrow and then at home against Shaw 24 hours later.