It's all hands on deck at Glodwick

GLOD ALL OVER . . . Rehan Rafiq scored a century against Saddleworth last weekend

DESPITE nursing a clutch of injuries to key players, Glodwick are on course to achieve skipper Franco Lenhardt's goal in the inaugural JW Lees Pennine Cricket League season ­- retaining their Premiership status.

The Warren Lane outfit head to Littleborough, aiming for a third league victory on the spin.

But with all-rounder Shahid Mahmood (back) and Imran Asghar (broken arm) sidelined and Mark Whitehead (knee) unable to bowl, it has been a case of all hands on deck.

While Mahmood hopes to be back in a week or so, Asghar will sit out the entire season and Whitehead's role will be restricted to that of a batsman. Lenhardt himself is in pain every time he bowls due to a foot problem.

REWARDED

Chris Longley is one player Lenhardt has turned to and has rewarded the captain's faith with two four-wicket hauls.

In the most recent came against Saddleworth, Glodwick professional Rehan Rafiq struck an unbeaten 107.

"The players who have come in have taken the pressure off the others," said Lenhardt.

"Everyone has contributed. Chris Longley has had some sunny spells with the ball, Matt Parkinson has bowled well and Jamie Symonds has added some 20s down the order. Zaheeb Mirza has also stepped up.

"We're trying our best, although we could with scoring more runs. That is the only thing letting us down at the moment."

Standing in the way of a third straight league victory are Littleborough, who are striving to keep leaders Walsden in their sights.

Before tomorrow's trip to Hare Hill, Glodwick entertain Ashton in the fourth round of group games in the Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup.

Lenhardt's side are at the heart of a congested mid-table Premiership battle, which includes also Crompton, Greenfield and Saddleworth.

Crompton's challenge tomorrow is against a young Middleton XI still seeking their maiden league victory of the season.

Greenfield play host to Austerlands, who will have felt aggrieved at last Sunday's Wood Cup bowl-out defeat by Rochdale.

Chris McDonnell's side were chasing 205 for a place in the last four, when rain curtailed play.

Saddleworth welcome second-in-the-table Rochdale, while Royton head to Norden, who are surprisingly struggling at the wrong end of the table.

The remaining top-flight clash sees high-flying Walsden take a trip to Monton and Weaste.