AFTER a poor start, Cheetham Hill managed to secure a comfortable Lancashire County League away victory over Irlam last Saturday.

Batting first Hill were 40 for three at one point and looked to be struggling, but they fought back to post a total of 182 for seven, thanks to good performances from Mirza (67) and Anwar (45).

Irlam never looked likely to chase down the total and were eventually bowled out for 123 (Mirza 3-26, I Hussain 3-35, G Abbas 3-17).

Hill have now moved three points clear at the top of the table.

Denton St Lawrence, closest rivals before last Saturday’s games, lost at home. They slipped to third place and were leap-frogged by Denton West.

Hill seconds were comfortable winners over their Irlam counterparts.

Saleem took three for 21 and Rather had the same figures as Irlam were dismissed for 127.

It took Hill only 20 overs to score the runs. Saleem (54) scored a 47-ball half century in an opening stand of 70 with Ahmed (35).

The match was finished when Riaz (18) smashed a big six.