Cup holders face tough task

CRICKET: 

UPPERMILL face a stern test of their credentials on Sunday as they make their first genuine defence of the Tanner Cup at Stayley.

Dave Roberts’ cup holders were given first-round passage after opponents South-West Manchester conceded the washed-out tie.

It won’t be so easy at Millbrook. Stayley – like Uppermill – have won five out of their nine league matches this season and beat Whalley Range in the Tanner Cup opener.

Elsewhere, there’s a tasty tie in prospect at Oakfield where Droylsden host a rejuvenated Moorside outfit who are currently flying high in second place in the league standings.

Hollinwood – who bagged an impressive first-round win at Wythenshawe – host Saddleworth, while Greenfield welcome 2013 league champions Heyside.

On the league front, all clubs will look to return to action tomorrow following last weekend’s complete wash-out.

The pick of the games is probably Heyside’s visit to Stayley in what is a fifth versus third clash at Millbrook.

It’s tight at the top of Division One, but current leaders Glodwick will be confident of stretching their advantage over second-placed Moorside as they host a Shaw outfit that has generally struggled this season.

Winless basement side Micklehurst have endured a tough campaign but will fancy their chances of a win against a Wythenshawe side which has won only two games.

Second-bottom South-West Manchester already face being cut adrift at the bottom alongside Micklehurst as a sizeable points gap is opening up. The Chorlton outfit face a trip north for a potentially-tricky test at mid-table Austerlands.