Bamford-Fieldhouse u15s 141-7 v Saddleworth ‘A’ 100 all out

Bamford Fieldhouse Cricket Club

After the previous Thursday’s rained off Cup Semi-Final, Bamford returned to Saddleworth for a league fixture.

Joe Smith-Butler and Alex Willis got the visitors off to a good start putting on 43 before Smith-Butler (20) played on to his own stumps off the bowling of Howard. After the loss of Matt Buckley, Willis and Abbu Alam put on 45 for the third wicket, the partnership being broken when keeper Hardy caught Willis for 30. Alam then upped the pace until a smart caught and bowled by Howard removed him for 44.

Adam Ahmed ended the Bamford innings with a 10 ball, 24 run cameo, including 18 off Howard’s last over. The Lancashire spinner though, was still the pick of the home bowlers ending with figures of 4 for 40.

142 always looked a difficult target on a turning wicket and Saddleworth were soon in trouble at 18 for 2 with Smith-Butler taking both wickets in a hostile opening spell.

Scott and Hardy steadied the home side and saw them through to 54 before leg-spinner Ahmed bowled Scott for 26 and then had Millward well caught on the boundary by Willis.

Off-spinner Joe Mitchell then bowled the watchful Scott for 16 and had Manton beautifully stumped by Matt Buckley.

Grady and Boyle added late runs with some powerful hitting but 2 wickets for Alam and a third for Smith-Butler ended the innings and gave Bamford a 41 run victory.