Glodwick stay in title hunt

CRICKET: 

GLODWICK kept alive their hopes of retaining the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League crown — but in doing so ruined Moorside’s title aspirations.

In a rain-interrupted clash at Warren Lane, Franco Lenhardt’s team were set a revised target of 160 in 42 overs. Glodwick won with six wickets to spare and professional Rehan Rafiq unbeaten on 43.

Moorside, who started the day one place and a point above their hosts in third, were earlier limited to 165 for eight. Rafiq took five for 51.

Glodwick have plenty to do to chase down leaders Saddleworth — they are 65 points adrift — but their two games in hand give them cause for optimism. Moorside have only today’s Pro-Elite Sports Twenty20 finals’ day prize to play for.

Saddleworth maintained their unbeaten league record at Well-i-Hole this season after crushing Wythenshawe by seven wickets.

Paid man Imran Aslam claimed five for 53 as the visitors were dismissed for 158. Australian overseas amateur Michael Jones (77) and skipper Brian Lord (42) then laid the foundations for a facile victory.

Following his five-wicket haul of the previous week, Mohammed Irfan added six more at a cost of 44 runs as second-placed Austerlands defeated Friarmere at home. Requiring only 88 to roll over the men from Slack Lane, Mark Peters’ side lost four wickets before crossing the winning line.

A superb 106 not out from pro Mohammed Jamal and a fine half-century from Michael Schofield lifted Droylsden to a decent total of 230 for five at Stayley.

A break for rain left the hosts needing 203 off 36 overs, but their innings ended agonisingly short on 200 for eight, Peter Skuse leading the way on 65. Jamal wrapped up a fine day’s work with figures of four for 62.

Basement boys South West Manchester notched only their second win in all competitions this term after beating Micklehurst by 26 runs at Ellesmere Road.

Second-bottom Uppermill’s woes continued as they lost by 61 runs at home to Whalley Range.



twitter: @kevrichardsonOC