Hey, we’ve won the cup again!
Date published: 04 August 2014
TANNER CUP
“MAKE sure you return that trophy before you leave,” said a Saddleworth and District Cricket League official jokingly to a Heyside committee member. “No dents or scratches, either,” he added tongue firmly in cheek.
Celebrating a third Tanner Cup triumph in the last seven years and their seventh altogether following a 77-run defeat of Moorside yesterday, the lads from Little Hey Street probably have every right to make an outright claim for the coveted piece of silverware.
Bound for the Central Lancashire League in 2015, Heyside fancied themselves for the treble in their swansong season.
Although the league title appears to be heading towards Glodwick or Saddleworth, the double is definitely on with Twenty20 Cup finals’ day still to come.
The first part was accomplished in Moorside’s own back yard of Turf Pit Lane, and it was a triumph which again emphasised what skipper Ryan Barnes has called the “togetherness and team spirit” that exists in the Heyside camp.
Under the cosh for three-quarters of their innings after deciding to bat first, they had the strength of mind to keep chipping away to reach a respectable 189 for nine.
Good effort, that, after they were 125 for six with nine overs remaining of their 45.
Moorside, beaten finalists 12 months ago, also had to work hard for their runs early on, but unlike their opponents, their innings melted away.
Pro Grant Hodnett struck 32 and added 48 with fellow opener Richard Baines (19). However, that was the only partnership worthy of note as they stumbled to 107 for eight.
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