Schofield’s bowling brilliance in vain

Photo: PICTURE by PAUL STERRITT.

DROYLSDEN’S loss has been Saddleworth’s gain after Mohammed Shakir switched to Well-i-Hole.

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WITH three defeats in their opening three matches, it hasn’t been the start to the Saddleworth and District Cricket League season that Droylsden captain Michael Schofield had envisaged.

Greenfield piled on the pain for the Oakfield side on Saturday with an 86-runs victory.

Droylsden did have their chances, though, especially after Schofield’s incredible four-wickets-in-four-balls performance.

The 33 year old’s victims included captain Chris Gill and stand-in professional Dieter Klien, which left the hosts teetering on 110 for six.

But Michael Bird then took command, smashing 119 off only 56 deliveries to set Droylsden a formidable 263 in increasingly soggy conditions.

“It was a bit of a shock,” said skipper Schofield reflecting on his remarkable bowling feat. “Green and wet are my conditions. When it dries out, I’m a waste of space. My only other hat-trick was my first-ever game when I played for Droylsden under-13s against Glodwick!”

Schofield readily admits that his side have struggled with the ball so far this season, but hopes the recent acquisition of medium-fast bowler Sufyan Ahmed will make a difference. He also reckons new club professional Mohammed Jamal will soon be making his mark with the bat.

Schofield added: “Sufyan played his first game last weekend and did okay. He has played in the Bradford League, so he has something about him. Jamal is one of the best batsmen I’ve seen at this level.”

After Wythenshawe away on Saturday, it’s leaders Saddleworth at home on Sunday, and Schofield has not ruled out causing a surprise result against the high-fliers.

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