Saddleworth claim top individual prizes

WITH Saddleworth’s first team completing a clean sweep of the team prizes in the 2015 SWB Commercials Saddleworth and District Cricket League season, it was no surprise that their players were recognised too.

Darren Shadford picked up the individual batting prize for the second year running, while spinner Steven Howard landed the bowling award. Each man received his trophy at the league’s annual dinner and presentation in Lydgate.

Shadford was second in the averages behind Jason Warner, of Wythenshawe, but because Warner’s club didn’t submit its final statistics in time, he was overlooked for the honour. Droylsden too failed to report their averages.

The Neil Parish Trophy for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper went to Greenfied’s Chris Gill.

The Ladhill Lane skipper bagged 44 victims, of which 14 were stumped. Gill was 10 clear of Moorside’s Alex Griffiths (23 catches and 11 stumpings). Brian Lord, of Saddleworth, was next with 27 (17c +10st).



THE curtain falls on the Saddleworth League on Thursday with the annual meeting, held at Saddleworth Cricket Club. Though clubs will not be voting on rule change proposals or election of officers, there will be a show of hands on the disbursement of league funds.

The league’s executive committee recommendation is that the total number of years each club has been a member of the league should be divided into the final balance available after all expenses have been paid.

Austerlands, Saddleworth, Greenfield, Stayley and Uppermill have been members for 117 years; Hollinwood 109; Micklehurst 108; Friarmere 103; Moorside 60; Droylsden 54; Shaw 33; Glodwick eight; South West Manchester, Whalley Range and Wythenshawe two years.

On current calculations, Greenfield (117 years) would receive £1,404, Moorside (60) £720 and Whalley Range (two) £24.

The Saddleworth League and Central Lancashire League will join forces as the Pennine Cricket League next season.