Much-needed victory boosts Austerlands

NICE AND TIDY . . . Austerlands bowler and skipper Andy Young in action during the welcome win against Saddleworth

IT was six of the best for Austerlands as they finally broke their duck in the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League.

Five previous defeats had left Andy Young's side at the foot of the Premiership, but a welcome 63-run success over Saddleworth lifted them one place in the table and also raised spirits in the Uber Street camp.

"We needed a boost as we've had a tough start," said the Austerlands skipper.

"In our first five matches we've played four teams who everyone expects to up there challenging, and three of those have been away.

"The Stayley defeat was disappointing, though, but their pro (Hamza Nadeem) came off."

The Saddleworth game was restricted to a 20-overs-per-side thrash after rain held up play by more than three hours.

Austerlands reached 142 for eight, with professional Shanuka Dulaj making 34 and Mark Peters 32 not out.

Saddleworth were restricted to 79 for eight in reply. Dangerman Imran Aslam, a former paid man at Austerlands, was out for no score.

"To get Immy so early was a bonus as he can be the difference," said Young. "It was probably Lee Milner's worst ball of the over, but that happens sometimes.

"At the start of the season, we targeted four or five games where we thought we could pick up points, and Saddleworth was one of them.

"We knew if we could get on 130 on the board we'd have a chance.

"It was a good performance and a nice way to break our duck. The batters did a job and the bowlers stuck the plan.

"We didn't embarrass ourselves against Walsden the week before. After being 50 for five, we could have rolled over quite easily, but we got up 150 and that gave us a bit of momentum going into the Saddleworth game.

"Next up is Milnrow on Saturday in the Wood Cup and we should fancy winning that one as well."

Young praised umpires Howard Dronsfield and Eric Roberts, as well as Saddleworth captain Steven Howard, for their willingness to get the game on.

FIXTURES

It was one of only three first-team fixtures to go ahead in the PCL last Saturday.

Young said: "Credit to the umpires as they gave us every opportunity to play, and the Saddleworth captain.

"It was touch and go. The square was never a problem, but a few damp areas on the outfield required some attention.

"We took an early tea and fortunately the sun came out about 4pm.

"It was then all hands to the pump to get the ground ready."