Bank Holiday Monday at a 'sunny' Moorside cricket ground saw boys become men in the cricket sense as the young guns from our league saw off the Saddleworth League to lift the trophy for only the second time since the league's inception back in 94' and following our only other previous success in 2002.

It was a surprise to be asked to field having lost the toss on what looked to be a helpful deck for the bowlers, plenty of cloud cover and strong winds proved to ideal conditions for the eventual man of the match Jordan Williams (Denton West), as he ripped out the top order and leaving the home side in disarray at 25 for 3. He eventually finished with figures of 9-5-14-3, his opening spell being practically unplayable as he returned 3-6 from his first 6 overs! Fine spells from Tom Barling (Prestwich) 6-1-13-2 & John Barnett (Denton West) 9-1-33-2 along with some fine fielding saw the Saddleworth Leagues close on 168 for 7.

In reply Dave & Dave (skipper Toft of Glossop & Taylor of Prestwich) made a solid  start putting on 58 for the opening wicket however as often happens one brings two, but on this occasion three as Toft 27, Taylor 20 & Barnett all succumbed LBW to Rowbottom as we stuttered at 66 for 3. Jamie Garde (Denton) took on the role of match winner and batted extremely patiently and his mature knock of 52 from 59 balls laid the platform for victory. Jamie Williams (Denton West) having kept tidily in the first innings scored 12 in tandem with Richard Scargill (Prestwich) finishing the match with a superbly timed cover drive, ending 27 not out and completing victory with 15 balls to spare.

Our thanks go to Moorside CC for their tremendous efforts on the ground and for the superb tea laid on, it was a credit to both club and league.

Lastly I'd like to thank a great bunch of lads for the team spirit they have created and as we only lose John McAllister & Richard Scargill next season I believe we will be even stronger next campaign.

Good luck to all of you as you chase domestic silverware on what looks like being an exciting end to the season.