Rain plays havoc with Twenty20 Cup

CRICKET:

CONTROVERSY reigned in the first round of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League’s Twenty20 Cup.

Hollinwood’s home tie against Glodwick was abandoned, with no word of if or when it will be played.

Glodwick were 63 for three from six overs when the heavens opened.

With the wicket soaked, attempts were made to site a set of stumps on the outfield for a bowl-out.

But despite promptings from the umpires, the bowl-out never happened and the match was called off.

Of the other ties, Heyside, the holders, beat Stayley in a game reduced to 11 overs per side.

Honey Garg scored an unbeaten 61 for Stayley, who made 79 for two, but Heyside reached their target with eight wickets intact.

Uppermill booked their ticket for round two after overcoming Friarmere 1-0 in a bowl-out.

Friarmere were 65 for three when rain intervened and, with no further play possible, the game was decided by cricket's equivalent of a spot-kick decider.

The successful player was Matt Taylor, who was first up to bowl.

The tie between Shaw and Saddleworth has been rearranged for Thursday. The first innings was interrupted by a downpour and the outfield was so wet that even a bowl-out was impossible.