Trio look to chase down high-fliers

CRICKET: THE chasing pack of Austerlands, Moorside and Glodwick continue their pursuit of the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League title this weekend.

With Saddleworth holding a significant lead, some will argue the race for top spot is already as good as over. But where there’s life, there is hope, and nearest rivals Austerlands have two games in hand and play the high-fliers on the penultimate day of the season.

Of more immediate concern is the trip to Droylsden tomorrow. A repeat of the result in the reverse fixture in May, a crushing 212-run victory, will do nicely for the Thorpe Lane outfit.

Glodwick, the reigning champions, have also got two matches in hand on Saddleworth, while Moorside have one.

The former visit Micklehurst, who will have West Indies overseas amateur Alton Beckford back in the fold after completing a one-match ban.

Moorside welcome Stayley to Turf Pit Lane. One never knows what to expect from Steve Bird’s Stayley: very good in defeating Saddleworth in June, very bad when bowled for 40 by Whalley Range in July (and for 93 at Shaw last week).

Saddleworth certainly won’t be content with winning the Tanner Cup this season. Victory over Whalley Range is the target this weekend. Both clubs and league won’t want a repeat of the scenes that marred the previous meeting between the two sides in the Tanner Cup, the result of which was players banned and fines.

Greenfield entertain Uppermill as they try to null their Tanner Cup final pain, while Shaw will hope to follow-up their defeat of Stayley by overcoming basement side South West Manchester.