Teams are up for the Tanner Cup

In the run up to the season Reporter Sport revealed that the Tanner Cup, the primary knock out competition of the Saddleworth and latterly the Pennine Leagues was to be reinstated this season.

Plans for an eight team competition were put in place, but Ashton have had to pull out.  However, the Cup has got under way over the last two weekends and produced a series of competitive games.  The competition is formed of two groups playing a series of round-robin games, followed by semi-finals and then a final.

The first game was at Uppermill who reached 223-7 against Friarmere.  Pro Ayas Tasawar starred with 128, but it wasn't enough as Friarmere reached the target with a 3 wicket margin, (Adrian du Toit 44).  On Sunday Austerlands took on Micklehurst and totalled 189-7, with James Holt top scoring with an unbeaten half-century and Lewis Daniel taking 4-29.  The Micklehurst reply fell 41 short.  Over at Heyside  visitors Stayley reached 218ao, (Nick Woodhead 58*), and in reply Danny Cashin led the way with 63* as the home team cruised to a comprehensive 9 wicket win.

Results: Group A - Austerlands 189-7 Micklehurst 148ao; Heyside 222-1 Stayley 218ao.  Group B - Uppermill 223-7 dec Friarmere 224-7

The competition continues this Sunday. (26th May), when Micklehurst host Stayley;  Heyside go to Austerlands and Friarmere will play Saddleworth, although this fixture remains to be confirmed after Friarmere's GMCL cup game at Wythenshawe last weekend was called off at the last minute and may be replayed this coming weekend.

By Martin Frost