Frustration as programme is decimated

TON-UP . . . Heyside professional Bilal Khiljee plays the ball towards the leg side against Uppermil

THE JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League had to bow down to the weather.

Friarmere were the only side to pocket five points ­- as Championship opponents Hollinwood were unable to raise team.

In the Premiership, not a ball was bowled at Glodwick (versus Walsden) and Littleborough (versus Royton).

Austerlands had reached 38 without loss at Crompton before rain arrived, while Norden were 96 for four in reply to Greenfield's 176 all out when play was curtailed at Ladhill Lane.

Overseas amateur Alexander Bychkov compiled 33 for the home side. Nick Fairchild was the pick of the visitors' bowlers with five for 48.

Adam Robinson claimed three of the four Norden wickets to fall. Openers Rehan Udwadia and Michael Price failed to score.

Harry Gee made 32 for Middleton, who had moved on to 140 for five at home to Rochdale when the covers went on at Towncroft.

In a 37-over game, Saddleworth were 135 for seven at Monton and Weaste ­- professional Imran Aslam struck 80 ­- at which stage no further play was possible.

Championship leaders Heyside gave it their best shot in trying to force a result against Uppermill.

Paid man Bilal Khiljee scored an unbeaten 123 and skipper Ryan Barnes hit 75 as the hosts declared on 255 for five in the 35th over. However, rain prevented any further play.

Pro Rudi Second and Max Power were 84 and 48 not out respectively, seeing Milnrow to 157 for one in 26.1 overs against Oldham.

Overseas amateur Thomas Mashiane (45) and Rick Harrington (43 not out) helped Moorside to 129 for one at home to Ashton, while Ali Muzaffar was unbeaten on 50 in steering Werneth to 131 for five after 38 overs of their clash at Stayley.

There was no play between Micklehurst and Shaw at Castle Lane.