Greenfield retrain aim after impressive start

CHRIS GILL . . . the Greenfield skipper has retrained his sights after a positive start to the season

THREE days, three lots of fixtures ­- it's another busy weekend of action in the JW Lees Pennine Cricket League.

After this evening's slog-fest ­- it is the second batch of group games in this season's Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup competition ­- the focus quickly shifts to the league programme.

Chris Gill's Greenfield have made great strides in the Premiership, most recently sweeping aside Norden.

Up to third place in the table, it would be some achievement by the Ladhill Lane lads if they reach the summit.

The defeat of last season's CLL double-winners is sure to have raised confidence levels to new heights as they look forward to hosting Rochdale tomorrow.

Skipper Gill said: "We're sticking to a game plan and it's working.

"Ideally, if someone gets 80 plus and someone else 40 plus, then that's a decent partnership. With others chipping in, it posts a decent total. It's also important to make use of the full 50 overs.

"Bowling-wise, it's about creating pressure. With being a young team, we're energetic in the field."

After such an impressive start to the campaign Gill, who is expected to overcome a minor hamstring injury, has set his sights on a new goal.

The wicketkeeper-batsman added: "At the start of the season, it was about survival in the Premiership, but now the focus is on a top-six finish.

"We can't get too far ahead of ourselves. We've got to concentrate on the next game and that's Rochdale.

"Everyone is doing their job well at the moment."

Leaders Walsden face a stern examination ­- they are away to Littleborough ­- while second-placed Crompton host Saddleworth, who are slowly creeping up the standings.

In the Championship, pace-setting Stayley welcome Ashton to their Millbrook venue, while a local derby is in store as Milnrow take on Shaw.

Sunday sees the second round of the LCB Cup.

Glodwick hit the road to Fleetwood and there is an all-PCL clash with Norden and Moorside going head to head.

Fixtures ­-

Tonight, Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup (all matches start at 6.15pm) -

Group 'A': Stayley v Monton & Weaste; Micklehurst v Moorside; Norden v Heyside. Group 'B': Crompton v Milnrow; Ashton v Royton; Hollinwood v Glodwick. Group 'C': Saddleworth v Walsden; Middleton v Werneth; Shaw v Littleborough. Group 'D': Friarmere v Oldham; Austerlands v Greenfield; Rochdale v Uppermill.

Tomorrow, Premiership: Crompton v Saddleworth; Glodwick v Austerlands; Greenfield v Rochdale; Littleborough v Walsden Middleton v Royton; Monton & Weaste v Norden.

Championship: Heyside v Werneth; Hollinwood v Uppermill; Micklehurst v Friarmere; Milnrow v Shaw; Moorside v Oldham; Stayley v Ashton.

Sunday, LCB Cup round two: Glossop v Littleborough; Fleetwood v Glodwick; Ramsbottom v Walsden; Norden v Moorside; Northern v Monton and Weaste.