Big guns set for Tanner showdown

CRICKET: A SOGGY Well-i-Hole ground put paid to the top-of-the-table clash between Saddleworth and Moorside last weekend.

The two SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League title hopefuls meet again on Sunday. But instead of points being up for grabs, they play for a place in round two of the Tanner Cup.

Both teams will be keen to put the tie to bed without the hassle of returning night after night next midweek. And for hosts Moorside, it is a chance to draw a line under their last appearance in the knock-out competition.

Despite home advantage, the Turf Pit Lane club failed miserably in the 2014 final against Heyside.

The Tanner Cup has been dominated by two clubs in the last 10 years, but neither are now league members. Bamford Fieldhouse won it four times and Heyside three, the other wins coming from Saddleworth, Shaw and Uppermill.

Saddleworth will fancy their chances, and in Imran Aslam possess a professional at the height of his powers. Moorside’s opposite number is no slouch either. Grant Hodnett has hit the ground running as well, with runs at the top of the order for Danny Anchor’s side.

With the league’s two big guns meeting so early in the competition, the way is open for the rest to plot a path to the final.

Austerlands have made a good start to the season and should see off South West Manchester.

Greenfield, who have won their last three league games, will be favourites to beat Shaw.

With paid man Rehan Rafiq in such good form, Glodwick ought to beat Droylsden.

The other two fixtures — Wythenshawe v Friarmere and Micklehurst v Uppermill — are too close to call.

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