Honey finds sweet spot as Stayley go run crazy

Photo: Picture by CHRIS SUNDERLAND.

FIRST-BALL DUCK . . . . Stayley bowler Usman Malvi successfully appeals for the wicket of Greenfield’s Ryan Fitton, caught behind by Sheeraz Azmi.

CRICKET:

Garg’s whirlwind 170 shatters Greenfield

GREENFIELD wilted to Honey Garg’s herculean effort for Stayley in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The opening batsmen smashed a superb 170 not out, sending the ball to all parts of the Millbrook ground and beyond in a terrific display of batting.

The 23-year-old, in his first season at Stayley, hit 26 fours and four sixes from 130 deliveries to help his side to a 96-run win.

It was the highest score from an amateur Saddleworth League batsman since Zafar Iqbal’s knock of 175 for Friarmere in 2007.

Garg grew up playing cricket in the back streets of Delhi, but only started playing competitively when he moved to this country three years ago.

A quiet, unassuming character, he described his innings as “satisfying”, before vowing to work on his fitness.

Greenfield’s bowlers were left shattered by the whole experience as Stayley, who seem destined for a top-five finish, amassed 316 for three in a stunning batting display.

They had no answer to Garg’s strokeplay, with captain Jonathan Ainley varying the attack as much as possible in a vain attempt to find a way through.

The visitors did enjoy an early victory when Mike Jones departed for four, caught by Peter Gill off his own bowling.

Dropped on two occasions early on his innings, Lou Adair was trapped lbw for 32 — the number three batsman stood at the crease in disbelief at the decision — after he added 107 for the second wicket.

In strode professional Usman Malvi who, like Garg, has become an instant favourite at Stayley.

More renowned as a bowler — he had successful spells in Wakefield and more recently Torquay — he has proved no mug with the bat.

The weather was akin to the English Riviera as Malvi struck Jamil Khalil for two sixes before repeating the feat against Alex Peters to bring up his 50 off 45 balls.

He was eventually caught on the boundary in front of the changing rooms by Nigel Kippax for 57, but not before putting on 110 in only 16 overs for the third wicket.

Clearly feeling the effects of his long stay in the middle, Garg reached the 44th over with Steve Bird (31 not out) at his side at which point Stayley captain Steve Downend declared.

If Garg was the destroyer with the bat, it was Malvi’s turn with the ball.

Bowling with pace and extracting plenty of bounce, he soon had Greenfield in trouble with three wickets in five deliveries.

Malvi got a delivery to climb, which Adam Hayes could only guide to Adair at first slip, Alex Peters was beaten by a yorker and Ryan Fitton was caught by wicketkeeper Sheeraz Azmi.

At 20 for three, Stayley had high hopes of an early shower, but father and son Peter and Chris Gill stood firm for eight overs before the former became Malvi’s fourth victim for 31.

Peter Gill (32) looked comfortable from the word go — he struck Paul Littlewood for a couple of fours early on in his stay — before he was removed by Stuart Mellor.

Stayley were licking their lips in anticipation of a maximum points win.

However, Ainley stood defiant for an unbeaten 78 as Greenfield closed on 220 for nine, but not before Malvi grabbed his fifth wicket at a total cost of 68 runs.