Smart Alex keeps Moorside in touch

HITTING OUT . . . captain Sohail Mahmood plays a square cut for Friarmere, but his side lost by eight wickets at home to Wythenshawe yesterday. Pictures by PAUL STERRITT.

CRICKET: ALEX Griffiths, playing against his former club Uppermill, scored 48 to help keep Moorside on the coattails of leaders Saddleworth in the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

It was an important knock by the wicketkeeper batsman, who came in at number six with the hosts on 121 for four at Turf Pit Lane.

Facing 39 deliveries, Griffiths carried his bat through the remainder of the innings, adding 43 for the ninth wicket alongside Lee Warburton (20) to lift Moorside to a challenging total of 219.

Uppermill skipper Michael Brooks took five for 55 and top-scored with 20 in reply as his side tumbled to 110 all out. Rick Harrington claimed four of the wickets to fall for 16 runs.

Saddleworth were indebted to professional Imran Aslam's 78 as they were dismissed for 184 at Droylsden. The Pakistani paid man was put in the shade with the ball, though, team-mate Steven Howard collecting five for 23 to clinch victory by 79 runs.

Greenfield wrecked Whalley Range's unbeaten record with a comfortable eight-wicket win at Ladhill Lane. The visitors managed only 115 – Adam Robinson picked up four for 13 - before captain Chris Gill scored 59 not out to see his side home. Range stay in third place, ahead of Greenfield, while Austerlands are fifth after completing a third success in as many games.

Shaw, restricted to a disappointing 138, were vanquished at Holebottom Clough.

Austerlands' in-form pro Asif Zakir scored 48 not out in the seven-wicket triumph.

Hamza Nadeem was signed by Stayley for his ability with the ball, but the paid man was needed to show- ff his skills with the bat as his side staggered home by one wicket at South West Manchester.

The Pakistani made a match-winning 56, in reply to the hosts' 118 all out.



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