Zakir leads way for Austerlands

MOHAMMED Irfan in delivery stride for Austerlands against Micklehurst.

CRICKET: 

WITH four wins on the spin, unbeaten Austerlands can do little wrong in the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League at present.

Micklehurst were the latest victims of Mark Peters’ in-form side, who are now fourth in the table.

Professional Asif Zakir was at the heart of the four-wicket success at Thorpe Lane, taking six for 28 as Micklehurst succumbed to 97 all out. Then, with two half-centuries to his name already this season, it was no surprise to see Zakir in among the runs again, this time with 42.

Young off-spinner Daniel Poole, a product of the Saddleworth junior system, claimed four for 28 as leaders Saddleworth beat Friarmere by 41 runs at Well-i-Hole.

The hosts did what they have done regularly this season, record a competitive rather than spectacular total — this time 198 for nine — then defend it.

Darren Shadford was the main run-maker with 89, while Friarmere’s overseas amateur, West Indian Darius Cummins, picked up an impressive six for 37.

Open dates for Moorside and Whalley Range allowed Greenfield to go second thanks to a comfortable 83-run defeat of Wythenshawe at Longley Lane. Alex Peters, with 75, helped the visitors to 239 for seven. He then collected four of the home side’s nine wickets to fall for 38.

Droylsden appeared none the worse for their recent slip-up at Saddleworth as they beat Uppermill by 17 runs at Leefields. Mohammed Zafran had a productive afternoon for the visitors, scoring 91 out of 231 for eight and then taking four for 74.

Glodwick paid man Rehan Rafiq dominated the South West Manchester attack at Warren Lane. Chasing 68 for victory, the all-rounder scored an unbeaten 61 to steer his side home.

Craig Smith notched a fine 52 and Windies overseas amateur Oral Rankine bagged six for 51 for Stayley in a three-wicket triumph over Shaw at Millbrook.