Hodnett blasts Bamford to final

Grant Hodnett

LCB CUP CRICKET:

GRANT Hodnett smashed Heyside's dreams of reaching the LCB Cup final with a breathtaking century for Bamford Fieldhouse.

The former Gloucestershire opener struck an unbeaten 104 in a crushing 10-wicket win in the all-Saddleworth and District Cricket League clash at Little Hey Street.

With nine sixes and eights fours in a 61-ball stay, Hodnett showed no mercy against an attack devoid of the experienced Stuart Moore and Tony Heaton.

It was brutal stuff and Heyside's target of 143 was achieved in the 16th over. At the other end, Peter Roberts was not out for 28.

A 70-minute break for rain in the hosts' innings did not help their cause. At 68 for two with 20 of the 45 overs gone, they were going along okay after being asked to take first knock.

But the delay, which saw 10 overs stripped from each team, upset Heyside's flow and plans.

Now looking for 180 in 35 overs, they put their foot to the floor too early and saw wickets tumble.

Pro Gerrie Snyman had put on 68 with Ben Holt when he cut a wide delivery straight to Ammer Mirza on the cover boundary. The bowler, JP Lee, couldn’t believe his luck.

Holt managed 29 until he fell victim to the same bowler, while skipper Nick Campbell contributed 17 and Mark Barnes 10. The latter was one of two victims for Marlon Black, whose eight overs cost a miserly 16 runs.



BAMFORD Fieldhouse had a double cause for celebration as their second team retained the Moore Cup after an eight-wicket defeat of Hollinwood at Lime Lane. Teenager Joe Smith-Butler scooped a second consecutive final man of the match award with an unbeaten 54, in reply to 123 all out.



JOSH Tolley hit 93 as Woodhouses raced to 236 for six against Glossop in Lees Brewery Lancashire County League Division One. But Lee Dale's 119 inspired Glossop to a four-wicket triumph.








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