Late arrival’s silver lining

Photo: PICTURE by PAUL STERRITT

TITLE TRIUMPH: Saddleworth captain Brian Lord receives the Hollingworth Challenge Trophy from Eddie Bayliss, chairman of the SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

CRICKET: 

MICHAEL Jones returned to Tasmania on Tuesday having had a great summer.

Saddleworth’s overseas amateur arrived on these shores only mid-season, but went home with a shelf of silverware.

It has been quite a summer for the Well-i-Hole outfit and for Jones, who averaged 44 in 14 innings.

Saddleworth last weekend added the league title to their triumphs in the Tanner Cup and Twenty20 Competition. Jones also played a part in the league’s stunning victory in the inter-league final.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and am a lot wiser than when I came over in 2011,” said the 22 year old of his first spell at the club.

“It’s been excellent to win three out of three for Saddleworth and be part of something that has been so successful. There is a lot of depth in the team. If someone gets out early or goes for a few runs, you know others can step in.”

Jones saved his best individual score almost to last, with 119 not out against Stayley in Saddleworth’s penultimate match last Saturday.

Skipper Brian Lord had kept in touch with Jones since 2011 and jumped at the chance of re-signing him.

“The deal for an overseas amateur fell through,” said Lord. “So I asked Michael if he could recommend anyone. That’s when he said he would be available after finishing university in June. It was a no-brainer, but it was then up to us to be there or thereabouts, then kick-on when he got here.”

Jones’ first task back at home is find a job - which would almost certainly rule out a return next year.

But one person who IS heading back to Saddleworth next season is professional Imran Aslam, who has signed for a third term and is keen to take part in the challenge of the new Pennine League.