All to play for as rivals cash in

CLOSE SHAVE: Austerlands’ Andy Young, who made 42, survives an lbw appeal against Wythenshawe. Picture by TIM BRADLEY.

CRICKET: GLODWICK and Moorside are locked together at the head of the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

With Saddleworth - leaders at the start of play - enjoying an open date, it was a chance for the other title hopefuls to make a move and they didn’t let the opportunity pass.

Reigning champions Glodwick turned a potentially tricky home encounter against fourth-placed Greenfield into a stroll in the park. The contest was as good as over after the first innings, professional Rehan Rafiq claiming four for 14 as the visitors crashed to 97 all out.

Glodwick, with Anees Ur Rehman blasting 31 from eight balls, reached their target for the loss of three wickets.

Kyle Hodnett was the man to watch as Moorside defeated Micklehurst by 78 runs at Castle Lane. He struck 42 out of 192 for nine and took four 38, while partner in crime Lee Warburton picked up six for 55.

Those results dropped Saddleworth into third place, but only a point adrift of the top two. All have played the same number of games.

Austerlands are also in the hunt for honours. They recovered from their Tanner Cup mauling at the hands of Saddleworth by crushing Wythenshawe at Thorpe Lane.

Pro Asif Zakir, with 84, overseas amateur CJ Ferreira’s 68 and 42 from Andy Young propelled the home side to 307 for nine from their 45 overs. That was too many for Wythenshawe, who slipped to 128 all out in reply, Ferreira bagging a season’s best seven for 46.

Waqar Khan continued his fine spell with the bat as Shaw brushed aside visitors Droylsden by 134 runs at Holebottom Clough. The number three hit an unbeaten 145, three weeks after piling up 170 against Micklehurst. Facing 116 deliveries, he struck 20 fours and four sixes.

Khan’s superb effort lifted Shaw to 289 for six. In reply, Droylsden were dismissed for 155 in the 31st over. Mohammed Zafran resisted with 66, while Azam Hussain took four for 62.

Imran Khan was Saturday’s other centurion. He made an excellent 119 in Friarmere’s total of 284 for four at South West Manchester. Mohammed Kamran contributed 76. The hosts, thanks to Mirnal Dasgupta’s 90, closed on 200.

Stayley were bowled out for the lowest score in Division One so far this season, a miserable 40 runs, in front of their home supporters. Ejaz Din did the damage for opponents Whalley Range, recording figures of six for 15. Stayley were chasing only 120 for victory.

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