Glodwick hit the summit

CRICKET: 

SKIPPER Nigel Stock cared little for his aching limbs as his Glodwick side grabbed top spot in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Wins over Saddleworth and Stayley brought wide smiles at Warren Lane, while in contrast Droylsden, who began Saturday on top, slipped to sixth after back-to-back defeats.

Glodwick spent most of last week trying to finish their first-round Tanner Cup tie, ironically against Droylsden (it should conclude tonight) — and after a break on Friday, attention turned to the weekend’s league action.

For Rehan Rafiq, another day produced another significant knock as he struck 88 and Stock 65 in Glodwick’s 83-run win at home to Saddleworth on Saturday. The Pakistani came within a boundary of recording his first ton of the campaign 24 hours later, this time departing on 96 against visitors Stayley.

Rafiq added 78 with Franco Lenhardt (35) and 105 alongside Mark Whitehead (29) as Glodwick posted 222 for six.

After the results on Saturday, this was a duel between the leading two sides, and second-placed Stayley were reduced to 57 for five in reply.

Oral Rankine (60) and Craig Smith (41) gave the hosts plenty to think about with an 85-run stand for the sixth wicket.

But Glodwick would not be denied as Rafiq, Whitehead and Imran Asghar each claimed three wickets.

Droylsden’s miserable weekend was completed by Friarmere, who have won three of their last four league games, the other being rained off.

The margin of victory was 20 runs, while 32 runs separated Moorside and Saddleworth at Well-i-Hole, with the former triumphant after defending 162.

An excellent 90 from Ben Holt, Nick Campbell’s 68 and 60 from pro Shadley van Schalkwyk lifted Heyside to 276 for five at Wythenshawe. The reigning champions then restricted the home side to 219 for six. Jason Warner was dismissed for 99.

Cloete Buitendag celebrated his 21st birthday with 29 not out off seven balls as Uppermill swept aside Hollinwood by nine wickets.

The South African overseas amateur’s scoring sequence went so: 1, 6, 4, 6, 6, dot ball, 6.

Although they had 11 players, eventually - apparently they were short of a full compliment at the start - Hollinwood’s innings of 128 was only allowed to feature 10 batsmen after what appeared a mix-up with the team cards.

Whalley Range, for whom Ejaz Din followed up his 134 with a fine 91, had to settle for a draw against Shaw at Kingsbrook Road.

An over remained of the Shaw reply – the hosts were heading for victory – when the umpires called time.