Stock smashes Oldham into last four

OLDHAM under-11s surged into the semi-final of the Hurst Bowl competition thanks to a seven-wicket victory over previously-unbeaten Ribble Valley District at Delph Cricket Club.

Ribble Valley won the toss and elected to bat first.

Oldham didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough.

With the score on just two, a good catch from Joseph Aston set the tone for a great performance.

Wickets fell at regular intervals and although three Ribble Valley players got into the 20s, all fell without making a big score.

Supported by some good catches, the Oldham bowlers restricted the visitors to just 98.

Uppermill’s Will Potts, taking four for 21, was the pick of the bowlers.

Royton’s Ben Brierley and Daniel Stock started confidently in Oldham’s reply.

The in-form pair seemed untroubled until Brierley mistimed one and was caught and bowled for 27.

Aston scored just three, but the partnership of 40 with Stock meant the game was nearly won.

That was before a great catch from George Barnes dismissed Thomas Mayor (four) and gave Ribble Valley a glimmer of hope.

But with the scores level on 98, Stock secured victory, and his half-century, with a huge six and Oldham won with 16 overs to spare.

Oldham now play the Bolton District away in the semi-final.