Return to action for Humza

Heywood's first team’s trip to Glossop on Saturday proved an eventual washout, with the umpires waiting until late afternoon before deciding that the ground was unfit.

The Second XI were well beaten at home to Denton West in a match reduced to 28 overs per side.

However, the Third XI, thanks to fine batting displays by Humza Naeem and Chris Booth, romped to a seven-wicket win over their Stand counterparts at Crimble the following day.

Stand set a challenging target of 158-9 from their 40 overs thanks to 89 by O Gordon, with Cabhan Hilton leading the Heywood attack with a 3-42 return.

There were also wickets for John Keyworth (2-36), Naeem (2-19), James Mills (1-41) and Keelan Nugent (1-5).

Heywood made light work of the run chase, however, led by Naeem – making a welcome return to the Heywood fold.

He led the way with a quickfire 66, and when he went Booth saw the side home with an unbeaten 50 out of 162-3.

The second team’s clash with Denton West the previous day was reduced to 28 overs each, and the visitors responded with 149-6 despite a 3-40 return by Rick Purser.

That proved all too much for Heywood who collapsed to 53 all out in just under 18 overs, with Phil Dawson (22) the only player to reach double figures.