Peters shatters Moorside

CRICKET: 

GREENFIELD ruined Moorside's proud record in the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League and gave their own title chances a boost with a thrilling two-wicket win off the very last ball.

Alex Peters was the hero of the hour for the hosts, scoring a superb 124 not out in a titanic duel at Ladhill Lane.

Starting the day as joint leaders without defeat, Moorside seemed set to carry on their impressive run after posting 249. Professional Grant Hodnett made a fine 119.

Fourth in the table Greenfield had other ideas. Thanks to Peters' excellent knock, they crossed the line in the nick of time.

Saddleworth are likely to benefit from Moorside's last-gasp defeat – though they didn’t strike a ball in anger. Opponents South West Manchester did not fulfil the fixture as many of their players were celebrating Eid. If the league guideline is implemented, Saddleworth will receive the average number of points gained by the winning teams in Division One on the day. That’s a maximum of 22 which, if applied, would take them 13 points clear.

Uppermill's overseas amateur Daelon Campbell, with 81, and Lou Adair (47) did their best to set Glodwick with a competitive total to chase at Leefields. The reigning champions required 166 – and they reached their target for the loss of only one wicket. Skipper Franco Lenhardt and paid man Rehan Rafiq were unbeaten on 86 and 66 respectively. Team-mate Mark Whitehead had earlier taken five for 21.

Friarmere matched Glodwick's nine-wicket success againt Droylsden who, with only 10 men, managed just 66 at Slack Lane. Having recovered from injury, overseas amateur Darius Cummins claimed five of the wickets to fall for 37 runs.

Jason Warner's unbeaten 54 saw Wythenshawe to a nine-wicket triumph at home to Shaw, who were dismissed for a disappointing 97.

The efforts of Jake Caudwell and overseas amateur Alton Beckford – they bagged four wickets apiece – were in vain as Micklehurst succumbed to a 66-run loss at Whalley Range, who registered 232.

Danny Clayton compiled a dogged 56 in Micklehurst's reply of 166, which also included four wickets for Ejaz Din.