Title hopefuls falter

CRICKET: 

HEAVY rain wiped out all but two games in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League on Saturday – but there was a big shock in one of those that did go ahead, writes KEVIN RICHARDSON.

While the wet weather won the day in leaders Saddleworth's clash against Micklehurst at Well-i-Hole, title rivals Moorside started a 26-over thrash at eighth-placed Wythenshawe.

The scene was set for the men from Turf Pit Lane to put their noses in front in the hunt for top honours. But Saddleworth picked up more points for an abandoned game with no play (four), than Moorside managed for lacing up their cricket boots (three)!

They crashed to a miserly 95 all out, with Vijay Macladuram taking five for 45.

Jason Warner scored 36 in reply, and it was a vital knock in the context of Wythenshawe's four-wicket triumph. All Moorside had to show for their afternoon's work was three bonus bowling points.

The other match was also of 26 overs per side, with Droylsden making 90 for six at Whalley Range.

A rain break left the home side chasing 79 from 22 overs, and they reached their revised target with eight wickets to spare.