Glodwick close in on title glory

HIGH FLIER . . . Moorside bowler Lee Warburton in action against Greenfield.

CRICKET: 

HAVING come so far, Glodwick will not want all their outstanding work go to waste over the final three games of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League season.

Leaders by 21 points after an emphatic 175-run victory against Micklehurst yesterday, Nigel Stock’s men could have the Hollingworth Trophy tucked away by next weekend.

Rehan Rafiq produced another outstanding knock - a magnificent 189 not out - as his side amassed 289 for six at Warren Lane. Rafiq also had the Midas touch with the ball, claiming four for eight as Micklehurst slumped to 114 all out.

Glodwick were fortunate 24 hours earlier at Shaw. Dane Fullalove’s heroics (six for 59) left the hosts needing 132, but rain meant play was abandoned.

Glodwick’s nearest challengers, Saddleworth, didn’t play on Saturday due to a sodden field, but enjoyed a 94-run win at home to Heyside yesterday.

Overseas amateur Mario Boyce hit a vital 46 not out in Saddleworth’s total of 170.

Carl Newton had excellent figures of seven for 38, but his big effort was in vain as Heyside crashed to 76 all out. Tom Avery bagged five for 32.

Moorside, in third spot, need a miracle if they are to deny the two sides above them of the title.

Danny Anchor’s charges slipped to a 42-run loss at Uppermill, who slotted into fifth place as a result.

There were two other centurions in Division One yesterday, and both were on the winning side.

Stayley overseas amateur Oral Rankine struck 179 not out against Shaw, and Friarmere's Atiq Ur Rehman was unbeaten on 103 at Greenfield.

There were also wins for Droylsden – Mohammed Shakir made 53 and collected five for 28 – Whalley Range and Wythenshawe.



ONLY two matches were played to a finish on Saturday because of rain, with Austerlands overcoming South West Manchester by 74 runs and Whalley Range defeating Hollinwood by six wickets after they were set a revised target of 108 in 39 overs.