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Up and running - at last

8/ 5/2008

TWO weeks after the scheduled start of the season, Heywood’s senior teams finally got under way with victories over Werneth.

The second team enjoyed a victory at Crimble, while for the first team, new professional Ruvin Peiris made an instant impact, hitting the ground running with a magnificent 131.

Under-18s captain Tom Hardman underlined his tremendous potential, and reaped the benefit of his hard work in the close season with an excellent 75, reaching his half-

century with a six over the longest boundary. In the scramble for quick runs, there were useful contributions from Bobby Cross, Royce Blight and Danny Pawson as Heywood posted a daunting total of 261-3 in their

allotted overs.

Werneth seemed to have little interest in chasing the target, and with Steve Cheetham picking up three wickets, they faced an uphill task.

Rob Slawson was quickly back in the groove with a five-wicket haul, and with Chris Kaye collecting the other two, Werneth subsided to 133 all out with some late resistance from Dronsfield (40) and Rehman (36).

Another Sunday, another home fixture, and another washout.

Milnrow were the first team’s opponents, but after a heavy downpour, the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The second team suffered the same fate, but already the weather is having a major impact. Monton and Weaste have successfully dodged the showers and racked up three wins from three matches to open up an early-season gap at the top of the table.

Norley Hall, based at Kitt Green, Wigan, are the club’s visitors on Sunday in the LCB Knockout Cup.

Last season, Norley Hall finished third in the Bromborough Paints Merseyside and Southport Alliance, just missing out on promotion to the Liverpool Competition.

Although they lost to Burscough in their first league match,

professional Hammad Tariq notched an impressive 88, and new captain, Matt Norvall, is hoping they can clinch a top-two spot and gain promotion this year. A well kept secret - it is believed ‘Andy Hargreaves’ is in Norley Hall’s first team squad.

The club is delighted to welcome local firm, Mike Goldrick Window Blinds as this season’s kit sponsor.

Mike is a big supporter of local causes, and is pictured here with captain Bobby Cross, professional Ruvin Peiris, overseas amateur Royce Blight, Steven Cheetham and Steven Wallwork. Everyone connected with the club hopes that this can be a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship, to rival those with the club’s other premier sponsors, Biwater Treatment and JW Lees.

The club were given the sad news former president Norman Coates, 92, died at the weekend.

Heywood Cricket Club would like to extend their condolences to his family, he will be sadly missed.

l MEMBERS of Heywood BiWater Cricket Club enjoyed their annual pre-season dinner on Friday 25 April at the Crimble ground.

Guest speaker for the evening was John Huxley, media manager for the rugby league, who gave an

informative talk about the history of the sport, while Liverpudlian

comedian Tom Pepper provided the entertainment.

Among the 65 people who

attended the event was Australian overseas amateur Royce Blight.

The event raised £550 some of which came from the auction of a signed Manchester City FC shirt.

Andy Hargreaves, the club’s vice chairman, said: "It was a good night and everyone had a good time.

"John Huxley’s talk was very informative, Tom Pepper had everyone laughing and the wine was flowing."