Friendly rivalry in Premier Cup clash

Ashley Daykin (left) receives his £1,000 prize from competition organiser Grahame Flint

THERE will be plenty of friendly local rivalry when Springbank take on North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club in the preliminary round of the Greater Manchester Premier Cup.

North Chadderton were beaten finalists last year and that earned them a crack at this year's World Club Championship at Leyland.

Springbank have made regular appearances in the same competition after reaching the GM final several times.

The clash between the two clubs will take place before August 12.

DRAWN

Reigning champions Tonge have been drawn against Dukinfield Central in the first round. The teams must play this match by September 2.

The first round also sees Springhead take on Ashton CC.

n NIMBLE Nook 'A' have a firm grip on this year's Chadderton League First Division title race at the halfway stage.

The defending champions have 100 points from their nine fixtures - 18.5 more than nearest rivals Grapes 'A', who have played the same number of matches.

Springbank have played eight matches for their 69.5 points and hope for a prominent finish.

Delph Cricket Club and Springhead 'A' currently look the teams most likely to earn a place in next year's 'A' Division.

Delph lead the way in the Second Division with 84 points from eight fixtures, but Springhead are hot on their heels with 77.5 points from seven matches.

Diggle 'A' are setting the pace in the Third Division with 70 points from seven games, just ahead of Dunwood 'A' (68 from seven), while Chadderton Cot lead the way in the Fourth Division with 89 points from nine fixtures - 12 points more than Saddleworth Cricket, who have played a game less.

Coalshaw Green (93.5 points from nine fixtures) are leading in the Fifth Division ahead of Uppermill (76.5 from nine).

There will be the usual round of league fixtures on Monday, but attention switches to the quarter-finals of the Swallow Cup next Thursday (7pm).

The draw is -

Nimble Nook 'B'(handicap 10) v Springhead 'B' (26) at Delph; Springhead 'A' (9) v Stalybridge Rec 'B' (6) at Werneth; Dunwood 'B' (31) v Springbank 'A' (4) at Moorside; Hollinwood Cricket (34) v Dunwood 'A' (23) at Nimble Nook.

n?TONGE'S Manchester Premier League home match against Sale XL was postponed because of a waterlogged green.

Their next match is at South Manchester RBL next Wednesday (7.30pm).

Darren Griffiths, one of Tonge's top players, competed in the Frank Beeley Trophy at Houldsworth and registered victories over Yorkshire star James Hanson (21-20) and another Tyke, Craig Gant (21-13).

But he fell at the final hurdle in his bid to qualify for finals day, going down 21-20 to Lytham's Mike Leach, the winner of this year's Waterloo Spring Handicap.