Cup-tie victory in the bag for Austerlands

Photo: Tim Bradley

AUSTERLANDS' Kevin Du Feu waits for the ball to come on to the bat in the Wood Cup tie at home to Friarmere.

AUSTERLANDS eased into round one of the JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup at the expense of Friarmere at a windswept Uber Street ground.

Both sides were searching for a first success of the season in the Pennine Cricket League.

Andy Young's hosts, without a point in the Premiership after three games, prevailed by 93 runs after posting 254 for nine.

Opener Kevin Du Feu and new professional Shanuka Dulaj laid the platform for the big total with 83 and 79 respectively.

Friarmere, second bottom in the Championship, were dismissed for 161 in reply.

Carl Newton's five wickets for 25 runs set Heyside on the way to a six-wicket victory at home to Uppermill, who were restricted to 166.

Skipper Ryan Barnes (65) and opener Ben Holt (44) spearheaded the successful run chase.

Joint Championship leaders Shaw had no trouble in disposing of Hollinwood at Lime Lane.

After limiting the home side to 125, Shaw reached the winning post in exactly 21 overs. Jameel Stuart finished unbeaten on 73 from 46 balls.

Micklehurst had no answer to Middleton, who made 327 for four which included 101 not out from Grant Jones and Chris Williams' 88.

Matt Foden took four for eight as the visitors to Towncroft were skittled for 22 in reply.

Peter Skuse struck 54 for Stayley, but the skipper's knock was in vain as his side suffered a six-wicket loss at Milnrow.

Moorside's paid man Gerrie Snyman hit 82 from 85 balls - the Namibian smashed seven fours and four sixes - as the Turf Pit Lane club totalled 262 for five from their 50 overs at home to Werneth. Captain Rick Harrington weighed in with 49.

Werneth never threatened, losing wickets at regular intervals as they slipped to 161 all out.

Royton registered a commanding victory over Championship rivals Oldham at The Paddock.

Oldham succumbed for only 66, with pro Chirag Khurana claiming four for 16.

Royton crossed the winning line inside 10 overs to set up a first round tie at Walsden on Saturday, May 27.

Scores -

Austerlands 254-9 (K Du Feu 83, S Dulaj 79), Friarmere 161; Uppermill 166 (C Newton 5-25), Heyside 168-4 (R Barnes 65, B Holt 44); Hollinwood 125, Shaw 129-2 (J Stuart 73 n.o); Middleton 327-4 (G Jones 101 n.o, C Williams 88, H Gee 55), Micklehurst 122 (M Foden 4-8); Stayley 168 (P Skuse 54), Milnrow 169-4 (L Crabtree 64); Moorside 262-5 (G Snyman 82, R Harrington 49), Werneth 161); Oldham 66 (C Khurana 4-16), Royton 69-1. Result not received - Monton and Weaste v Ashton.

Revised first round draw -

Walsden v Royton; Glodwick v Littleborough; Shaw v Rochdale; Heyside v Greenfield; Milnrow v Austerlands; Crompton v Saddleworth; Norden v Monton and Weaste or Ashton.

Ties to be played on Saturday, May 27.