Chasing pack in chance to cut gap

CRICKET: WITH leaders Saddleworth enjoying an open date tomorrow, Austerlands and Glodwick have an opportunity to narrow the gap at the top of the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

It won’t be straightforward, though. Austerlands, in second place, go to Greenfield, while Glodwick are Droylsden bound.

Beaten in the Tanner Cup final and in the last four of the Twenty20 Competition, Greenfield will still provide a big test of Austerlands’ title credentials.

The likes of professional Asif Zakir, overseas amateur CJ Ferreira and Mohammed Irfan must back up their impressive form this year by producing the goods when it matters most.

After a mid-season lull, left-arm seamer Irfan is back to his best, with 11 wickets in his last two outings.

More of that is required at Ladhill Lane tomorrow and at home to Whalley Range on Sunday, which again will be no pushover for Austerlands.

Glodwick, it seems, have the easier weekend, although Droylsden’s narrow defeat of Stayley last Saturday will have done them a power of good. In that fixture, paid man Mohammed Jamal struck a ton and skipper Michael Schofield a half-century. Both players will be eager for more runs.

Glodwick have home advantage on Sunday, with second-bottom Friarmere, skittled for 87 by Austerlands in their most recent match, the visitors to Warren Lane.

As for Saddleworth, they will be well rested after their exertions in winning the Twenty20 final on Bank Holiday Monday. They return to action on Sunday, with a short hop to lowly Uppermill.