Rhodes is Saddleworth star

ON PARADE: Captains Ben Corbett (left, Saddleworth) and Callum Openshaw (Bamford Fieldhouse) before the under-13s cup final.

CRICKET: JOHN RHODES smashed two sixes and a four to lead Saddleworth ‘A’ to double glory.

The talented all-rounder finished unbeaten on 24 as the home side defeated Bamford Fieldhouse by three wickets with six balls to spare in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League under-13s cup final.

Rhodes also proved a hit with the ball, claiming two for eight as Bamford were restricted to 70 for eight from 20 overs.

The visitors were 50 for two just after the half-way stage of their innings, thanks to Joe Smith-Butler’s excellent 31.

But Bamford’s effort tailed off as the Saddleworth attack, spearheaded by Rhodes, turned the screw.

Smith-Butler and Ahmed Nawaaz grabbed a wicket apiece in their fine opening spells to leave Saddleworth 15 for two from eight overs.

But a double bowling change coincided with a jump in the run-rate.

An intelligent knock of 23 from Simon Hardy was ended by a run out, but Rhodes grabbed the initiative and then held his nerve when wickets started to tumble around him.


Hepworth a hit for Greenfield

JOE HEPWORTH hit two sixes in an unbeaten 23 as Greenfield grabbed Lancashire County League under-17s inter-section play-off final glory.

The Ladhill Lane outfit, winners of the south division, beat Prestwich by seven wickets with only four balls remaining.

The hosts, who came out on top in the north division, made 123 for five from their 20 overs. Jack Shaw took two for 17 and Lee Needham claimed one for 16.

Chris Gill retired on 50 and Alex Peters struck 30 in reply, but Greenfield still required 24 runs from the last three overs.

However, Hepworth opened his shoulders to lead his side to victory.