End of Season 2026 | 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th XI Summary
1st
XI
Life in GMCL Prem 2 ended in relegation for the 1st XI despite a late upturn in form and glimpses of individual promise to build on for 2027.
There were a number of nearly moments early on as the 1s looked to get a win during the infancy of their 1st ever season at Prem 2 level.
The opening weekend saw MCC reduce Bradshaw to 160 for 6 thanks to fine work from Ryan Fitton (4/55) before they rallied to post north of 200. A gritty 62 from Skipper Fielding kept MCC in the hunt before two run outs did for him, Deshan and our chances.
After two weeks of rain cancellations came Astley and Tyldesley at The MCG. Mo Saqib and Ismail both picked up 3fers and Ryan bagged 3/45 as the visitors were 177 AO. A cool, calm 58 from Andrew Metcalfe at the top of the order gave us an excellent platform with support from Alex Birch (27) and Ismail Iqbal (30). However quick wickets turned the game and with just 5 needed to win, a run out handed A&T the game.
June saw Woodhouses sneak over the line by 1 wicket at The MCG. Deshan Dias’ 54 dragged us to 142, which DLS then reduced to 122. Ryan’s 3/46 had Woodhouses 9 down for less than 100, but their last wicket partnership took the points. Fine performances against Greenfield and Bradshaw went unrewarded but showed a growing confidence in performances. Two wins in three weeks soon followed as things began to click into gear.
"Astley and Tyldesley were beaten at The Gin Pit, in large part thanks to a supreme effort from Matt Fazackerley. Opening up, he scored 76 and batted for 47 overs, anchoring our innings beautifully as we scored 217."
The hosts looked like they were making light work of things at 139/2 but Ryan Fitton’s 5/66 turned things round dramatically, sparking a collapse that handed Mottram the points.
A fortnight later, Deshan’s first Mottram ton sparked celebrations as he hauled us past Woodhouses. Fielding first MCC bowled good lines with Ismail and Mo Saqib both taking 3fer, but on a small ground the hosts got themselves up to 277. Andrew Metcalfe and Matt Fazackerley got us to 40/1 and then enter Deshan. Batting for 118 balls he scored 105* with a crucial, well-paced partnership of 88 alongside Daniel Brightmore (43) taking the sting out of the WCC attack and ensuring a second win in 3 weeks.
From there, rain meant our home fixture v Stand never got going and cut the Greenfield home tie short as Mottram were mid chase.
All in all, a challenging season at the highest level our 1st XI has ever played at, but one with enough positive glimpses to be confident that an enjoyable, competitive season in the Championship lies ahead in 2027.
Batting Statistics | GMCL Prem 2
D. Dias 704 runs @ at an average of 44.00
A. Metcalfe 328 runs @ at an average of 25.23
I. Iqbal 246 runs @ at an average of 15.38
Bowling Statistics | GMCL Prem 2
R. Fitton 39 wickets @ an average of 25.13
M. Saqib 27 wickets @ an average of 27.15
I. Iqbal 23 wickets @ an average of 33.65
2nd XI
The 2nd XI bounced back to Division 5 East at the first attempt with promotion sealed on a dramatic last day.
With our final game won at Hadfield, attention turned to PlayCricket as we needed Stayley to beat Whalley Range. They did the business and ensured Michael Scott’s charges bagged 2nd in the league and went up!
With promotion always the aim, a good start was key. The 2s delivered that with 3 wins from the first 3.
James C (30) and Phill Rowston (57) plus Alice Dyson’s (3/18) saw us past Ashton before the 2s batting clicked in a way not seen too often in previous years when we successfully hauled in Failsworth’s 241.
James Collinson started the chase brightly with a run a ball 57 that alongside 16 from Charlie G and 28 from Phill got us to 136/3. A good start but there was still plenty of work to do when Farrukh Habib strode to the middle. After a couple of looks at the bowling, he launched into Failsworth and his 58 from 47 changed the momentum of the chase. Aided by Michael Scott (38*) and Alice (17*) his 50 ensured we got over the line with 3 and a bit overs to spare.
The trio was secured at Micklehurst where Bailey’s brutal spell of 5/31 ensured Micklehurst were rolled out for 120. Farrukh’s 45* making lightwork of the chase. May saw the 2s lose momentum through rain cancellations (Denton and South West Manchester) before a tough day versus Whalley Range left us a touch back from the leading pack.
With a big June and July needed, the response was emphatic. The 2s won 6 from 8.
"Stalybridge were defeated by 7 wickets after Michael Scott took 5/52 and Phill Rowston showed his dismissive best to blast 91*. Wythenshawe’s 147 was hauled in by Sam Smith (37), Harry Moore (39) and Sam Fazackerley (27*) before Alice Dyson and Skipper Scott took 5fer apiece to defeat Hadfield."
July saw Ashton and Micklehurst swept aside. Mottram set Ashton 171 to win courtesy of a belligerent 41 from Sam Smith and a patient, serene 37 from Patrick. Michael Scott with 4fer plus Patrick and George both taking 3fer to see ACC all out for 124. Micklehurst were rolled for 94 and beaten by 8 wickets.
To see out July, Sam Smith delivered one of the finest displays of hitting we’ve seen for many a year. Having shipped 267 to Denton, Smudge flayed them to all parts for 137 from 75 balls. Well supported by Dan C (22*) he ensured a bonus point win, chasing the target with 8 wickets in the shed. August started with defeats to SW Manchester and Whalley Range that meant slip-ups were no longer permissible.
The 2nd XI were ruthless for the final 5 weeks with 4 wins and a rain abandonment when Stalybridge were 20/2.
At 85-5 chasing 245, we looked buried against Woodhouses only for Sam Fazackerley to deliver one of his spell-binding flurry of boundaries to belt 108 off 58 and take the game away. Jimmy C's first senior 5 wicket haul at a cost of just 18 runs plus 4/64 from Bailey did for Stayley before Phill’s 48 saw us past Wythenshawe to set up a do or die finale at Hadfield.
With rain around Michael Scott asked HCC to bat and was rewarded by a good display from his attack. The Skipper and Bailey reduced the hosts to 29/4 and just as the middle order started to recover, Patrick (2/16) and Alice (2/17) snuffed it out. 133 All Out.
After tea, Jimmy was adjudged LBW and Phill was ran out to leave us 1 for 2 and miles from home. Daniel Crudden (65) and Patrick (35) delivered the perfect antidote with a chanceless hundred partnership. Despite their dismissals towards the end, they’d done the hard yards and Sam Faz and Farrukh saw us home.
With the job done on the pitch it was time to cheer on Stayley. Some 15 minutes of nervy PlayCricket refreshing later it was confirmed they’d won and the 2s were up!
Batting Statistics | GMCL Division 6 East
P. Rowston 400 runs @ an average of 28.57
S. Smith 377 runs @ an average of 34.27
F. Habib 226 runs @ an average of 26.60
Bowling Statistics | GMCL Division 6 East
M. Scott 38 wickets @ an average of 13.21
B. Russell 31 wickets @ an average of 17.65
A. Dyson 29 wickets @ an average of 18.52
3rd XI
A season of two halves ended with the
3rd XI sealing promotion in 2nd place and like their 2nd XI counterparts, bouncing back up a division at the first attempt.
Promotion didn’t look on the cards early doors as decent performances weren’t rewarded as expected and only 1 win came from the opening 5 games. Macedonia had too much with the bat for us despite Lucas’ 3/39 and Thomas N’s 39 as they beat us by 46.
A week later and Blackley scraped past us by 4 runs despite Mark Hannon (32) and Patrick (29) showing late defiance to get us oh so close. A good performance in the cup v Elton was undone by rain but the elusive 1st league win soon followed.
Finding league winners Glossop on a rare off day, the MCC bowling attack were clinical. Bailey dismantled the top-order with 3/13 before Lucas, Patrick and Thomas helped themselves to 2fer as GCC were 41 AO and beaten by 8 wickets.
From there the form took a pleasing upward turn. Royton were outgunned by James Collinson (55) and Mike Marsden (53*) at The MCG before Saddleworth found themselves no match for Dan Crudden (81*) and an unplayable 4/26 from Henry Davies.
What followed from there was a month of assured victories and personal milestones. Failsworth Macedonia were outclassed by a 145 run partnership between Mike Marsden (67*) and Patrick who turned his first ever senior 50 into a game-defining 84*. Henry, Jack H and Farrukh doing the business with the ball.
"Blackley copped for Dan C’s first ever senior 100 as he belted 106 from 58, superbly supported by Mitchell Wood’s first senior 50 as we racked up 288. Henry took 3/41 and Charlie Green 4/38 as they bowled delightfully to keep Blackley 120 short."
Glossop got their revenge with a comprehensive win at The MCG. SW Manchester though were totally undone by Thomas N who took 5/35 (a first senior 5fer) and then batted assuredly alongside Farrukh who was 64*.
Whilst the GCC defeat ended title hopes, promotion was very much a real prospect going into a crucial away trip to Royton.
Chris won the toss and asked his batting line-up to set something imposing. That they did as James C (33) got us to 40 in 5 overs and set things up beautifully for Farrukh and his well-paced 74. The Skipper added some late power hitting for 28* and Royton had 194 to get.
There were flourishes of resistance and batting aggression from the Royton batters but wickets fell just as soon as someone got settled. A Thomas N snorter removed the opener and Jimmy C swung one round corners to remove the danger man. Dan M (2/17) took his first 3rd XI wickets at a crucial moment and Mitch Wood (2/17) knocked the stuffing out of them. Chris (2/16) rewarded for wicket to wicket bowling at the death and ensuring all 6 possible points came home with MCC.
Going into the final weekend the 3s knew that securing 2 points or more meant promotion was sealed.
Chris won the toss and asked visitors Saddleworth to have a bat. They went hard at it early on with both Thomas and Lucas creating chances that didn't quite go to hand. With Saddleworth on 37, Lucas struck and removed the opener caught by Ronnie. Thomas had the other opener caught by Ronnie too a few runs later. From 61/2, SCC were dismantled and finished 112 all out. Patrick (3/24) turned it absolutely square, extracting maximum assistance with a fine display of off-spin. Well supported by Ronnie (2/19) they reduced SCC 106/7.
Enter then, Daniel M who bowled a snorter to clip the top of middle, and then removed the next two batters LBW to complete his hat-trick and end with the brilliant figures of 3/0. With the bat, Jimmy C was in no mood to hang around and battered 79 off 45. Mitch (11), Farrukh (15*) and Patrick (4*) chipping in alongside him to secure the points and secure 2nd in the league.
Division 2 awaits in 2027!
Batting Statistics | GMCL Sunday Division 3E
J. Collinson 347 runs @ an average of 49.57
F. Habib 249 runs @ an average of 49.80
P. Hannon 236 runs @ an average of 39.33
Bowling Statistics | GMCL Sunday Division 3E
T. Norris 16 wickets @ an average of 13.19
P. Hannon 16 wickets @ an average of 14.69
H. Davies 11 wickets @ an average of 16.82
4th XI
A 2nd placed finish for the 4th XI in DCCL Sunday Division One. In the title race till the last possible moment, the side won 7 games whilst also blooding 9 new MCC juniors into the senior ranks.
5 wins from the first 6 meant that the 4th XI out-performed their win tally from 2025 before we’d reached the half-way point. First-up, Stalybridge were overcome with just 2 balls to spare. Adie Davis (3/29) and debutant Oliver C (1/18) restricted the visitors to 140 from their 35 overs. Michael Marsden’s 49 providing an excellent platform for David Green (26) and Sam Bennett (21*) to get us over the line.
Chasing 134, Newton looked like they were home and dry when they were 67/1 at drinks. A remarkable bowling partnership from Jack H (3/10) and Callum (3/0) completely upended that though and saw them bundled out for 116.
2fers for Charlie, Dan M and Callum overcame Stalybridge on their 2nd trip to MCC and George Bernard (5/8) and Dan M (3/7) ensured Tintwistle’s visit was a short one as they were bundled out for 41.
Defeat to Broadbottom dented early season enthusiasm but that was soon repaired by 2 wins over Stayley that put us firmly in the race to the top.
In the home game, Dan Crudden (53*) and Ronnie Harris (34) provided the telling contributions as we accumulated our way to 179. U13s opening duo Daniel (3/8) and William (also 3/8) doing the lions share of the damage as Stayley were all out for 78.
"The return trip came just a week later and saw Callum expertly guide us to an 8 wicket win, notching his first senior 50* in the process. Him and opening partner Stephen Scott (26) keeping calm and collected to ensure we knocked off Stayley’s 114."
That left things all very tight at the top with Tintwistle, Broadbottom and ourselves all in the mix. Defeat to Broadbottom on the road meant that the final two league games v Tintwistle and Stalybridge were must wins to top the standings.
Both games ended in unfortunate defeat with young sides putting in strong performances in what for many was their first taste of a title challenge, especially at senior level. Away to Tintwistle, Dave Green’s 50* and Ronnie’s 31 dragged us to 136. That felt around 30 short and despite Ronnie (2/17), Callum (2/18) and Oliver C (1/6) keeping Tinsle edgy throughout, they won with 3 batters still in the shed.
Having lost on their two visits to The MCG, Stalybridge made it third time lucky and came out on top at SCC.
Batting first they amassed 150 from their 35 overs, despite Callum dismantling their lower order with 5/13 and Adie bashing away on a length and picking up 3/23. 21/2 was a less than optimal start before Easa's quick 12 off 8 got us up 50. Wickets were falling quickly until Sam Bennett (39) and Thomas F (15) re-built and carried us to 155 when a run-out from nowhere broke the partnership. Thomas went from supporting to attacking and got us within 16 runs but was eventually bowled trying to up the run-rate.
A final day washout ensuring 2nd place was confirmed. Another positive season for the 4th XI which not only saw 5 debuts, but also saw 2 of our juniors move up from 4th XI cricket into regular 3rd XI cricket.
Batting Statistics | DCCL Sunday Division 1 (Tameside) + Friendly Fixtures
D. Green 231 runs @ an average of 28.87
S. Bennett 170 runs @ an average of 28.3
R. Harris 121 runs @ an average of 40.3
Bowling Statistics | DCCL Sunday Division 1 (Tameside) + Friendly Fixtures
C. Gardiner 22 wickets @ average of 9.27
D. Marsden 18 wickets @ average of 7.56
R. Harris 10 wickets @ average of 6.7
