Saddleworth end wait for league win

Ryan McGrath

SADDLEWORTH got off the mark at the 11th attempt in the Pennine Cricket League Premiership.

Without a win in their 10 previous league matches - nine losses and one draw - the Well-i-Hole club broke their duck with a three-wicket defeat of Wood Cup finalists and title hopefuls Rochdale.

In a game reduced to 32 overs per side because of a rain delay, hosts Rochdale made 123 for six. Henry Cooper hit 57. Professional Imran Aslam and Ryan McGrath (pictured) claimed three wickets apiece.

Saddleworth's top four batsmen each compiled double-figure contributions in reply. Bar opener Asad Ali, they fell to Dale Highton, who finished with superb figures of six for 39.

Victory was secured off the first ball of the last over, with Danny Hesford (18) and Steven Howard (three) unbeaten at the crease.

Two of Saturday's Premiership fixtures were rained off - leaders Norden at home to Stayley and Littleborough versus Crompton at Hare Hill.

BOTHER

Heyside dug themselves out of a hole to defeat Glodwick, in a match reduced to a maximum of 36 overs each.

In a spot of bother at 64 for five, Heyside eventually made 202 for seven thanks mainly to a six-wicket stand of 97 between Ben Holt (60) and Max Power (51 not out).

Matthew Chadwick, at No.8, smashed an unbeaten 18 off five balls, which included two sixes and a four.

Despite 69 from pro Rehan Rafiq, visitors Glodwick were dismissed for 159. Rafiq's opposite number, Bilal Khiljee, took six for 51.

Norden's inactivity allowed Walsden to go top as they defeated Monton and Weaste by 45 runs at Welbeck Road.

Walsden paid man Umesh Karunaratne earned his fee. He scored 83 from 78 deliveries batting at No.5 out of 215 for seven, and bagged four for 51. Team-mate Joe Gale grabbed four for 44.

Scores -

Premiership: Rochdale 123-6 (H Cooper 57), Saddleworth 124-7 (D Highton 6-39); Walsden 215-7 (U Karunaratne 83, J Hooson 39), Monton and Weaste 168 (J Lenihan 39, Joe Gale 4-44, U Karunaratne 4-51); Heyside 202-7 (B Holt 60, M Power 51 n.o), Glodwick 159 (R Rafiq 69, B Khiljee 6-51); Norden v Stayley, Littleborough v Crompton - no play, rain; Austerlands 170 (S Dulaj 48, A Morrison 39, B Wolley 4-49), Greenfield 160-5 (A Krugel 42) - revised target of 157 of 39 overs.