’Field living on the edge

Photo: Pictures by PAUL STERRITT.

STRAIGHT BAT: Alton Beckford defends on the way to a fine knock of 116 for Micklehurst against Saddleworth.

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Tanner Cup semi-finals:

FINGERNAILS bitten to the bone, Greenfield's supporters were kept on edge this weekend.

After beating title rivals Moorside off the final ball of the innings on Saturday they saw their side crank up the tension by overcoming Glodwick by one run to reach the Tanner Cup final.

The last-four clash at Warren Lane was like Blackpool's Pepsi Max and Grand National rides merged into one and exemplified all that is great about the sport at any level.

Greenfield made 236 for six from their 45 overs, thanks largely to a key seventh-wicket stand between Joe Hepworth, who compiled an unbeaten 54, and 18 not out from Andrew Lilley. They came together with the visitors on 156 for six, of which Australian teenage overseas amateur Brandon Jacobs hit 48 and Adam Hayes 29.

Glodwick, after losing skipper Franco Lenhardt for 18, regrouped under the guidance of ice-cool

professional Rehan Rafiq and Anees Ur Rehman. They took the total to 89 when, with his first ball, Michael Bird got through Rehman's defences for 34. Two more wickets fell in quick succession and Glodwick were 106 for four.

Rafiq and Chris Longley steadied the ship, adding 30 when the latter was stumped by Chris Gill, one of Hayes' five wickets for 47 runs. Again, there was a rush of wickets as Glodwick found themselves tucked firmly behind the eight ball on 140 seven.

Imran Asghar joined the irrepressible Rafiq at the crease and the duo gradually began to eat away at the target. Probably the best player in the league, Rafiq smashed Andy McVeigh for two sixes and a four to move Glodwick within sight of 200.

The hosts then had a lifeline when Asghar was dropped at mid-off. Moments later Rafiq brought up his century, but off the very next ball Gill claimed a catch off the Pakistani pro.

Craig Ramadhin raised his finger. Another wicket tumbled, leaving Asghar and last-man Jamie Symonds still needing 20 runs to win. Surely Greenfield's game. But Glodwick weren't done with yet.

The last-wicket pair reduced the target to three runs off 12 balls.

Asghar then directed the ball to third man. He turned for a second, but Lilley's throw was too good and with the bails whipped off in a flash – Asghar's bat was in the air – Glodwick’s Tanner Cup hopes had evaporated.

In contrast, the other semi-final ended in a clear-cut seven-wicket success for Saddleworth at Micklehurst.

The home side was indebted to overseas amateur Alton Beckford’s superb 116 – he struck 10 fours and seven sixes - as they recovered from 78 for six to post 196 all out.

He was dropped twice by Danny Hesford, who was also smashed for 19 off one over by the big West Indian.

In reply, Darren Shadford was unbeaten on 59 and captain Brian Lord made 50 as the Saddleworth and District Cricket League leaders clinched a comfortable victory.

The final will be played on Sunday, August 16, at a venue to be decided by the toss of a coin.



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