Saddleworth 'B' 91-4 versus Bamford-Fieldhouse U15s 90-8

With a large number of players moving up to the U15 age group, the first round of the Leicester Shield was a virtual re-run of last year’s U13 Cup Final in which Saddleworth won.

The home side batted first, making a cautious start but they were beginning to accelerate until spinner Joseph Mitchell found his line and length.

He bowled the powerful Corbett for 29 and next over, drew opener Gee down the track and keeper Callum Openshaw was on hand to stump him for 18. Mitchell made it 2 from 2 for the second time bowling the new batter first ball and ended with 3 for 16.

The home side ended their 16 overs with a competitive 91-4.

Joe Smith-Butler was removed early in Bamford's reply but Matt Buckley and Openshaw got the innings going with some great running between the wickets.

When Openshaw departed for 26, Bamford lost batsmen quickly to some accurate bowling with Howard getting 3-14 and ended up losing the game by 2 runs.

Although this was a fighting performance, the visitors were left to rue some inaccurate bowling and poor fielding which led to 23 extras for Saddleworth, their second biggest scorer.