Saddleworth put Dale in their place

JOSH TOLLEY . . . steered home Crompton

WITH their early-season form worries consigned to the bottom drawer, Saddleworth are making stealthy progress in the JW Lees Bitter Pennine Cricket League.

Brian Lord's men were too good for Rochdale in a Premiership clash reduced to a 20-overs per side thrash because of rain.

Taking first knock at Redbrook, Saddleworth amassed 155 for four, which featured 69 from Pakistani professional Imran Aslam.

Rochdale, in reply, were limited to a disappointing 103 for nine as Steven Howard claimed four for 19 from six overs.

Saddleworth are up to fifth in the table.

Littleborough and Glodwick managed only 20 overs each, with the latter managing 84 for six at Hare Hill. Chris Schofield bagged three for 27.

The hosts reached their target in 17.3 overs.

Austerlands paid man Sachin Rana was in the runs in an eight-wicket defeat of Greenfield.

The Indian made an unbeaten 62 in helping to chase down the hosts' total of 136 for five, again from 20 overs.

Austerlands had three overs to spare when they crossed the line.

Opener Josh Tolley's unbeaten 70 guided Crompton to a five-wicket success over Middleton, who posted 153 for four in the 30 overs-per-side clash thanks to Ernest Kemm's excellent 80 not out.

Victory was secured in the final over.

Tolley and Ullah Sami had earlier claimed two wickets apiece.

Meanwhile, not a ball was bowled at Norden, who were due to play Royton, while Monton and Weaste were seemingly on course for a shock win over leaders Walsden until the match was abandoned with six overs remaining.

The visitors made 162 for three, but a dashing 89 not out from opposite number Christiaan Jonker steered Monton to 119 for three when time was called. He struck six sixes and six fours in his rapid 49-ball knock.

In a hugely-depleted Championship programme because of rain, Friarmere swept aside Oldham at The Pollards.

The home team crashed to 77 all out, with the visitors from Slack Lane easing to an eight-wicket triumph.

No play was possible at Micklehurst (v Stayley), Milnrow (v Werneth), Shaw (v Ashton) and Moorside (v Uppermill).