Bat’s the way to do it

MICHAEL Schofield has always claimed he is more of a batsman than a bowler - and he backed his argument with an unbeaten 43 in Droylsden's thumping of Wythenshawe at Longley Lane.

The skipper had done much to disprove this line of reasoning the previous weekend when he took nine wickets in two matches, including four in four balls against Greenfield.

But opening the innings alongside James Barnett (52 not out), the pair saw their side to victory – Droylsden’s first of the season.

Schofield played his part with the ball though, bagging three for 16 as Wythenshawe were dismissed for 99.

The match between Stayley and Glodwick at Millbrook was reduced to 32 overs per side after Friday's rain. Taking first knock, the hosts could not get going and were restricted to 96 for nine. They added only 16 runs in the last eight overs of their innings, but they at least prevented the reigning champions from picking up maximum bowling points.

Glodwick lost Shahid Mahmood, Rehan Rafiq and Anees Ur Rehman before scoring half of the 97 runs required for victory, but opener Mark Whitehead, who finished with 41 not out, and Nigel Stock held firm to seal a seven-wicket success.

Paid man Asif Zakir (77) and overseas amateur CJ Ferera (five for 33) were to the fore as Austerlands beat South West Manchester by 121 runs at Thorpe Lane.

Ejaz Din's five for 20 reduced Friarmere to 78 all out, in reply to Whalley Range's 152 for five at Kingsbrook Road.

Not a ball was bowled at Well-i-Hole, where leaders Saddleworth were due to meet second-placed Moorside, and there was no play between Uppermill and Micklehurst at Leefields. Both grounds were unfit due to rain.