LCB Cup quest goes to the wire

Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League by KEVIN RICHARDSON
GET ready for some twists and turns in the last full weekend of action in the Versasteel Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Glodwick and Heyside, in second and third places respectively, have already qualified for the 2014 LCB Cup.

And Saddleworth, in fourth, have virtually sealed their spot in next year’s draw, but Uppermill are less secure.

Matt Taylor’s side are in the last qualifying place (fifth), but Greenfield, Moorside, Austerlands and Droylsden are breathing down their necks.

However, Uppermill are the team in form, having won six of their last eight league games. Of the other two, one was rained off and the other saw them lose to champions-elect Bamford Fieldhouse.

Uppermill also lifted the Tanner Cup in that period, and Taylor said: “To be where we are after the start we had has been good effort.

“It is also great credit to the club’s second team. We were robbing a lot of their players at the start of the season to fill the gaps and they’ve still

managed to get to the top of table.

“I heard someone say early doors that we wouldn’t finish runners-up this

season, but we’ve won the Tanner Cup and all being well qualify for the LCB Cup any way, so in my mind that

constitutes a better season, doesn’t it?”

The start Taylor was referring to saw Uppermill win only two of their opening nine league games, two of which ended in draws because of rain.

In contrast, Glodwick and Uppermill have been up with the pace from the off.

Although either of the duo can win the title, such is the strength of Bamford, who complete their campaign next Saturday at home to Micklehurst, realistically they are playing for second place.

Bamford could have title wrapped-up before then, of course, if they glean enough points against Moorside and Shaw.

Nick Campbell is back in charge of Heyside this weekend as Ben Holt is suspended and Ryan Barnes is unavailable.

The stand-in skipper is also without opener Steve Firth and spinner Danny Cashin, as well as Mark Barnes, who is injured.

On the plus side, wicketkeeper Jimmy Cummins returns after a spell away and batsman Joe Whitehead is back for Sunday’s finale at Uppermill after missing tomorrow’s clash.

Greenfield’s hopes of sneaking into the top five have been hit with the loss of professional Chris Gill.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has gone to Brisbane, Australia, for seven months.

This weekend’s fixtures are —
Tomorrow: Austerlands v Glodwick; Greenfield v Hollinwood; Heyside v Stayley; Micklehurst v Friarmere; Moorside v Bamford Fieldhouse; Saddleworth v Uppermill; Shaw v Droylsden.

Sunday: Bamford Fieldhouse Shaw; Droylsden v Greenfield; Friarmere v Moorside; Glodwick v Micklehurst; Hollinwood v Saddleworth; Stayley v Austerlands; Uppermill v Heyside.