Magic Mere end 36-year wait for trophy

Photo: PICTURE by TIM BRADLEY.

champions!: Friarmere seconds pose with the Division Two shield after victory over South West Manchester.

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CRICKET: 

ROCKETS hit the sky after Friarmere’s 36-year wait for a senior trophy came to an end.

The club landed the Saddleworth and District Cricket League second XI title on the last day of the season after a five-wicket victory over South West Manchester.

Skipper Wasim Imtiaz (25) said: “I believed in the boys. There is such a good atmosphere among them. They have fun and enjoy playing cricket. It was a great all-round effort.

“Istikar Ahmed has taken 80-odd wickets, while Rizwan Khan, Mohammed Waqas and myself have scored more than 600 runs apiece. I’ve been here for 12 years and this is the biggest thing that has happened to me. I’m so proud of everyone.”

It was fitting that Saddleworth and Friarmere, two of the founder members, should be crowned champions of their respective divisions in the league’s final ever season.

From 2016, the Saddleworth League and Central Lancashire League will combine to become the all-new 24-club Pennine Cricket League.

Friarmere timed their run to perfection.

The only occasion on which they got their heads in front over the 26-game season was on the last day after they chased down South West Manchester’s target of 204.