Bamford fix sights on place in history

Bamford Fieldhouse are chasing a place in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League record books.

The champions-elect are bidding to become only the fourth team in history and the first since Greenfield in 1921 to stay unbeaten throughout the season.

That means avoiding defeat in their remaining seven league games and lifting Sunday’s Tanner Cup.

Captain Andy Barton said: “That’s our ambition and I believe we can do it.

“It hasn’t been done for nearly 90 years, so it is something to play for.

“But we won’t take Uppermill lightly. They are a good side and a good set of lads but, compared to last year, we’re stronger in every department.”

Bamford were hot favourites to win the competition in 2008, but were beaten by a determined Heyside in a final which was finally played in late September after rain washed out four previous attempts.

Barton will look to Simon Marshall and Darren Shadford, with 51 and 32 wickets respectively, to fire Bamford to their fourth Tanner Cup success.

Each bowler is restricted to nine overs, so Barton will also have to call upon Liam Garnett and Mel Austin, with back up from Peter Roberts, West Indian overseas amateur Lincoln Roberts and Qasar Riaz.

It is still unclear whether professional Stephen Parry will be released by Lancashire. He is currently playing in Lancashire’s four-day game against Durham at Old Trafford.

Barton, who has spent almost 30 years at the club, went on: “This is the best team at Bamford so far, but we are always striving to improve and we’ll be looking to reinforce for next season.”


Route to the final —

Round one: Beat Heyside by two wickets.

Round two: Beat Greenfield by six wickets.

Semi-final: Beat Friarmere by nine wickets.