GREENMOUNT veteran bowler Mark Stewart is on the hunt for more wickets at Bradshaw tomorrow after a edging nearer to the Bolton League record last weekend.

Stewart recorded career-best figures of 7-15 in the eight-wicket Hamer Cup triumph at Tonge on Sunday, just 24 hours after a similar haul of 7-33 against Astley Bridge in which he took a hat-trick.

It moved the Greenmount great, who last month surpassed 1,500 career wickets to within less than 50 victims of the league record.

But it is nothing new to the player who has regularly sent opposing batsmen back to the pavilion in more than a quarter of a century in local league cricket after first joining the Brandlesholme Road side after they won the Bolton League title in 1988.

Stewart told The Bolton News: "I've had big weekends before – I remember taking eight one day and seven the next.

"I've also took all 10 wickets in an innings once.

"I think it may be my first hat-trick, though, and that was pleasing against a good Astley Bridge side on Saturday.

"Then Sunday's figures were the best I can remember, taking 7-15.

"Hopefully there are more wickets to come this season."

Greenmount sit fifth in the league, five points behind early leaders Egerton, after two losses in the first six matches – to Horwich on opening day and against Walkden.

They travel to a Bradshaw side two points worse off but just a place below them.

And Stewart anticipates a tough encounter.

He said: "We are still in the mix but we are a bit disappointed with the two games we have lost to be honest.

"We know we have good players with ability so hopefully we can get a win this weekend.

"I like playing Bradshaw – I know a lot of their players and they are a good set of lads.

"It will be a tough game because they are aggressive on the field but then off it we always have a good time together."

Stewart admits he is now in the twilight of his career but is not contemplating retirement any time soon.

His club this week decided to quit the Bolton League next season and join the new Greater Manchester Cricket League.

Stewart says he is ambivalent when it comes to the decision but has not ruled out playing on when the club switches in 2016.

He added: "It is the club's decision to move and that's what has been decided.

"I am still enjoying playing – it's all I know really every weekend since I first joined Greenmount when Mark Taylor was there back in 1988.

"I think I have a couple of years left yet.

"The way I see it, I have three choices – play on in the new league, move clubs or retire.

"I don't feel ready to retire at present and am not a big fan of swapping clubs, so maybe I will have a shot at the new league."