Austerlands benefit as rivals give it all away

CRICKET: WHALLEY Range suffered a sudden and painful dose of the run outs as Austerlands secured a remarkable victory in the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 127, Waqas Malik's side were coasting at 97 without loss with seven of the rain-reduced 26 overs left. But carnage ensued as Whalley Range closed on 125, with five of the seven wickets to fall by run outs.

Saddleworth's Darren Shadford has become the first amateur player to score 500 runs in the league this season. The opener, who began Saturday on 431, reached the landmark with his maiden century of the year — 101 at Uppermill's Leefields ground.

Throwing caution to the wind, he struck six fours and 10 sixes in a 59-ball knock which lifted his Saddleworth team to a daunting 276 for three in a contest of 27 overs per side.

Professional Imran Aslam provided good support with 63 and Peter Roberts hit 53 not out but Dave Roberts, on returning to his former club, suffered a first-ball duck.

Leaders Saddleworth then limited Uppermill to 156 for seven in reply, with Martin Salmon junior and overseas amateur Daelon Campbell both falling two runs short of half-centuries.

Second-placed Moorside narrowed the gap to 15 points with a nine-wicket success at home to Shaw.

It was a straightforward afternoon's work for Danny Anchor's side, who restricted the visitors to 86 for nine in their 23 overs. Kyle Hodnett was among the wickets again, taking six for 29.

Glodwick are in a tie for third spot alongside Austerlands after seeing off Friarmere at Slack Lane.

Imran Khan, with 60, and Mohammed Kamran's 56 helped the hosts to 158 for six in their 28 overs.

It wasn't enough, though, as paid man Rehan Rafiq's 84 not out steered his employers to a six-wicket success.

Greenfield climbed one place to fifth after defeating Stayley at Ladhill Lane. Australian overseas amateur Brendon Jacobs came good with the bat – he made 58 – as the home team chased down a target of 127 in 24 overs with eight wickets to spare.

Shaw will be joining the new Pennine League in 2016. Members made the decision at a meeting on Saturday.