Usman's ton proves in vain

4:50pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

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ANOTHER majestic century from Usman Tariq wasn’t enough to prevent title-chasing Radcliffe from sliding to defeat on Saturday.

Monton & Weaste inflicted a six-wicket loss on the Racecourse side after Tariq had smashed 109 in a game reduced to 32 overs.

Radcliffe were the only one of the top teams that played, meaning that title rivals Norden, Heywood and Crompton went clear at the top with the two points they picked up for an abandoned match.

Cricket secretary Chris Franklin, however, refuses to be despondent.

“We are not disappointed – we are proud of the lads’ efforts,” he said. “We were just missing a bit of experience.

“Ash Gorsi, Carl Sandri and Michael Burns were all unavailable and that left us a bit short, but we did well to score 184 off 32 overs.

“I did, however, feel a bit sorry for Usman. His knock was superb and just underlines what a class act he is.

“We play Monton again this week, up at their place, and we reckon we will be back at full strength and we can go up there and give them a game.

“We worked our socks off to get a game of cricket on at the weekend and it kind of backfired.”

Franklin is still refusing to be drawn on whether Radcliffe can win the Central Lancashire League, but he admits it is in his side’s own hands.

“If we perform, we can still win it,” Franklin said. “We are only two points off the top and if we keep on going we will have as good a chance as anyone.

“We have a very good team with good batsmen and good bowlers. Let’s see what happens.”

And it isn’t just the first team that are chasing silverware. The thirds are top of their league and strengthened their position with a five-wicket defeat of Royton at the weekend.

“We are investing heavily in youth in the thirds and it is paying dividends,” Franklin added. “Against Royton the oldest player we fielded was aged 19. We have got some quality youngsters at the club and it would be great if they could win something too.”