Gee glee at vital winning century

SUPER SIX . . . Imran Khan hitting out for Oldham

MIDDLETON have one hand on the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League Championship trophy after a defeating nearest rivals Royton by eight wickets at Towncroft.

The top-of-the-table clash produced more than 450 runs and included two centurions.

Royton professional Chirag Khurana, who has signed a deal to remain at the Paddock club next season, hit a superb 121 not out in Royton's innings of 227 for six. The Indian's 178-ball stay featured 14 fours and a six.

In reply, young opener Harry Gee carved a terrific 102 not out, sharing in a first-wicket stand of 153 with Chris Williams (54).

Khurana took the only two wickets to fall as Middleton reached their target in the 47th over.

Uppermill are up to third place after a 62-run victory at Ashton - but they did not have it all their own way.

Pro Ayaz Tasawwar hit a vital 67, which included four fours and four sixes, in the visitors' total of 145 all out, this after they were 132 for four. Ryan Heap produced a great spell of six for 41.

Ashton, in reply, were dismissed for 83. Tasawwar bagged three for eight from 11.4 overs.

Jameel Stuart took three wickets and scored an unbeaten 56 as Shaw overcame Milnrow by eight wickets at Ladyhouse. The overseas amateur's knock came off 28 deliveries.

Moorside relegated Milnrow to fifth in the standings after a six-wicket defeat of Hollinwood at Lime Lane.

Set a target of 176, skipper Rick Harrington made an unbeaten 72 and Imran Khan 51.

Oldham secured a fourth success in the league this season with a comprehensive 164-run defeat of Micklehurst at Richmond Hill.

Imran Khan struck a fine 96 and Tamoor Malik made 89 in the visitors' total of 275. Hamza Hussain took four for 30 when it was Oldham' turn to bowl.

Scores -

Championship: Uppermill 145 (A Tasawwar 67, R Heap 6-41), Ashton 83; Milnrow 106, Shaw 108-2 (J Stuart 56 n.o); Hollinwood 175 (K Patel 68, D Fullalove 4-47), Moorside 178-4 (R Harrington 72 n.o, I Khan 51); Friarmere 203-8, Werneth 147; Royton 227-6 (C Khurana 121 n.o), Middleton 228-2 (H Gee 102 n.o, C Williams 54); Oldham 275 (I Khan 96, T Malik 89, I Hanif 41), Micklehurst 111 (H Hussain 4-30).