Junior Cricket Round-Up - End of 2025 Season
Under Nines
A positive year for the U9s with a record number of Friday night attendees translating into 8 debutants in the U9s Team, a return to having two sides playing weekly and a healthy number of wins to show for it.
Erin K was the first debutant of the season, making her bow at Woodley in a narrow loss, with Grace K joining her as a regular in the side only two weeks later as part of many trips up the hill to Micklehurst.
In May Mottram went back to back, winning 4 games in a row with Thea and Lyra’s 50 partnership seeing off Dukinfield + a Saul spinning his way to a game-defining 3fer v Hadfield.
June saw the 9s well beaten by a strong Glossop side before July brought about the return of us fielding 2 x U9s teams. A series of games hosted by Ashton saw thrilling close finishes with a Ryan 3fer and a last ball wicket snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Lyra and Saul went loco with the bat to win the return fixture.
"By the season’s end Mottram Reds had won more games than they’d lost and Mottram Blues became the hub for promising debuts with Jake, Rebecca and Harriet among those making their first MCC appearances."
Two x U9s teams should be here to stay for 2026 and there’s the foundations of another strong group showing.
Under Elevens Softball
With several U11s regulars often required on U13s duty, the U11s softball side has been a great opportunity for less experienced U11s and older U9s to get valuable additional match time.
The obvious highlights from the season were the two impressive wins v Hadfield and Saddleworth. Against Hadfield it was Oliver K (14*) and Thea (15) who set the tone with the bat, before Oscar’s tidy spell of 1/2 was the pick of the bowlers.
Two weeks later on the road at Saddleworth, Oliver helped himself to an delightful 4fer and Dolly battered it to all parts for 21* as we won by 52.
Outside these two wins there has been close runs encounters with Worsley (Lyra, Maisie and C Fletch all in the wickets before the rain came) and Swinton Moorside who snuck over the line despite Oscar’s fine 2fer.
With only two regulars in the side moving up to U13s in 2026, we expect the side to keep developing and build on the promising performances this summer.
U11s Softball Statistics |
Bowling: Oliver K (5 wickets @ average of 11.6), Oscar CC (4 wickets @ average of 6)
Batting: Oliver K (66 @ average of 9.4), Dolly H (47 runs @ 9.4)
Under Elevens Hardball
A fine season for the U11s hardball team who won all 5 regional league games to be crowned East South East Winners.
That early season run started with a bang as William’s quickfire 20* and Niamh’s 33* saw us past Stayley and Hadfield. It was at the death, under pressure chasing against Micklehurst, that saw the finest moment of that early season phase though.
"Chasing a well put together 86, Benedict changed the game with a composed 20* in Pair 3 before William (10*) and Max (11*) timed the Pair 4 chase to perfection."
Performance Division 1 was dominated from moment 1 by Shaw and Royton who are two fine sides at this age group. The challenge to Mottram 11s was to try and be up there alongside them. Six wins from eight games in the Performance League ensured we finished in a highly respectable 3rd position.
Denton West were beaten courtesy of 2fers for Megan, Leo and Eggsy plus 20* from William.
The next two weeks saw us perform under-par with the bat but secure two victories courtesy of fine bowling. Away at Glossop, the hosts bowled excellently to restrict us to 56 but Alec (3/13), Leo (2/3) and Thea (2/3) turned it around in real style.
Versus Saddleworth at The MCG, a similar story. Losing regular wickets hampered the work of Eggsy (13*) and William (14*) but Thea (2/19) and Kiki (1/10) ensured we won by 5 runs.
Iris M and Niamh B both took 4 wicket hauls as they ran riot against DSL and Uppermill respectively to keep the streak going. As suspected though, Shaw and Royton ran out comfortable winners in our games there despite the efforts of Leo (3/3 versus Shaw) and Max (3/11 v Royton).
In the Summer Cup, a nervy win over Denton West (Oliver K with a vital 10* and Charlotte D not out on debut) and strong performances versus Stayley (Kiki 24*, Max 15*) and Stalybridge (William 25*, Kiki 23, Dolly 15* on debut) ensured progress to the knockouts. Alas, we met Clifton who proved far too strong for us despite a creditable performance.
All in all, another season in which the U11s group has surprised us and gone beyond the expectations we set for them. 2026 sees a big change in the group with 6 players moving up to U13s, but there’s still an exciting group and plenty of new faces we expect to excel in hardball.
U11s Hardball Statistics |
Bowling: Benedict H (15 wickets @ 9.20), Alec G (14 wickets @ 9.6), Leo M (13 wickets @ 7)
Batting: William F (219 runs @ 27), Benedict H (211 @ 105.5), Kiki B (173 @ 21)
Under Thirteens (GMCL)
With 26 games played, 2025 was a busy old summer for the Under 13s.
In a change to previous seasons, the team played in two separate leagues. On Sundays they played in the GMCL and Mondays played in the DCCL Pairs league.
In the GMCL, the U13s mirrored their U11s counterparts and won the Regional East South East League.
Opening weekend saw Patrick, Niamh and William all retire on 30* and Haris take 4fer. Lucy scored a fine 23* too as Hadfield were beaten at the MCG.
7 days later a much nervier affair as the 13s snook over the line versus Stayley with 8 balls to spare. Wickets were shared out around with Harry, Brodie, Niamh and Patrick all taking one apiece as Stayley scored 90. In response, Patrick (33*) and Niamh (19) did the bulk of the work before James W struck two much needed 4s to get us home.
The performance league brought 1 fine win versus Friends Sporting, a narrow defeat versus eventual league winners Wythenshawe and tough encounters v Shaw and Thornham.
The Friends game was another tense chase. Chasing 86, Isaac and Patrick got us off to the perfect start with a 50 partnership broken only by a direct hit. Middle order wobbles brought our hosts back into it, but Benedict and Lucy ran hard to get the required 8 from the final 6.
At Glossop, a Patrick hat-trick, and wickets for Oliver C and Arran P kept the hosts to a score of 132 which had threatened to be much larger. Patrick (30*) and William (22) were more than matching the rate as their 50 partnership took us to 70 for 2. Alas, that soon became 93 AO.
League winners Wythenshawe pipped the U13s by 7 runs in a high quality affair played under a scorching sun. Having elected to bat, our hosts scored 132 with the pick of the wickets a fine catch by George K off the bowling of William.
Patrick and William dovetailed nicely once again and were well ahead of the par score when William was run out. Middle order cameos from Dan and Niamh kept Mottram in the game but the home spinner bowled a tight final over to restrict Kiki and Haris to just 8 of the 15 needed.
A first ever U13s retirement from Benedict H and 2/2 from LGB saw us past Stayley and Dukinfield in the Summer Cup group stages before we were well beaten by Clifton in the QF.
Under Thirteens (DCCL)
In the DCCL Pairs League, the side finished 4th in The North Group and then 6th in Division B.
A tough opener at Dinting saw us well beaten before a trip to Tinsle ended in a frustrating last ball defeat with George’s 2/15 and Haris 2/8 keeping us in it but not getting us over the line.
The 1st Monday win did follow soon after as George’s 2/6, Dan’s 2/5 and 20* from Thomas F saw us home against Old Glossop.
A 6 run loss to Broadbottom (William’s 17* taking us closer than we deserved to get) and a poor batting performance vs. Newton closed out the 1st league phase.
Division B saw us register 3 really pleasing wins and come out on the wrong side of two agonising last over defeats.
"Dan M and Harry M batted beautifully versus Newton in Game 1, with Thomas Fl then taking a game-altering 3/3, well supported by Oliver C’s 2/2 on debut."
James W (2/10), Benedict 21* and William 17* saw us past Charlesworth before our hopes of a higher league finish were dashed by two narrow defeats.
Away to Hawk Green, a 30 partnership between LGB and Iris M had given us a score of 65 to defend. After early wickets from Benedict (3/1) and Brodie (1/15) we looked well set but astute batting from Pair 4 put Hawk back in the mix. Dan M took a last over wicket to seemingly turn the game to us, but Hawk recovered and won by 2 runs.
The very next game saw Offerton pull off the same 2 run winning margin. Oliver (12*) and William (17*) got us to 84. Wickets for Iris M (1/14) and Dan M (1/4) looked to have kept Offerton in check but fielding errors let them back in and they snuck in front. They held on despite both LBW and run out appeals on the last ball!
To finish, a 50 run win over Newton. Skipper Dan set the tone with 19, and Oliver (14*) and Benedict (12) followed suit. William (3/2), T Fletch (2/7) and Haris (2/3) ensuring our total wasn’t in danger.
All in all, a solid season for the U13s. Whilst we lose 5 regulars from this years’ side in 2026 there are a lot of U11s who now have plenty of U13s experience ready to take on increased roles.
U13s Combined GMCL, DCCL Statistics |
Bowling: Haris A (18 wickets @ 4.2), George K (15 wickets @ 12), Patrick H (12 wickets @ 8)
Batting: Patrick H (266 runs @ 133), William F (239 runs @ 21), Daniel M (127 runs @ 17)
Under Fifteens
For the 15s, the Regional League took a bit of a hammering from the weather and opposition concessions, with only 3 games completed.
In difficult batting conditions at Stalybridge, Patrick H (a first ever 40*) and Easa (11) got us to a respectable 74. Jack H (1/9) and Lucas (1/16) both then removed an opener apiece to have Stalybridge 17/2. Their middle order rebuilt well though and got them home with overs to spare.
Glossop’s U15s have beaten all in their sights and scored 156 on their visit to the MCG, Thomas H with a determined 3/24 the main resistance. Lucas (10 off 23), Easa (15 off 24) and James 13* showed real grit to ensure we batted the 20 overs for 70 runs.
Game 3 of 3 followed a similar pattern to the opening day, with Patrick 27* and Easa 14 helping us to 59 from 20 overs v Hyde. Jack H (1/4) and Thomas H (1/4) helped keep the Hyde run rate down but they surpassed our total in 12 overs.
After a short and not so sweet experience v Woodley, the Performance League saw the 15s build a number of promising positions but not get over the line.
Against Dukinfield Thomas N (41*) and Patrick H (31*) got us to a defendable 93. An opening partnership of 60 for Dukinfield looked to have killed the game dead but 2 runs outs (Patrick and Woodsy) plus Thomas N (2/0) sparked real panic. LGB took a maiden 15s wicket to leave Dukinfield 78 for 6 and in real trouble. Their tail wagged though and avoided further collapse.
Up next Milnrow, who overhauled our 94 with 15 balls to spare. Easa (36*) and Patrick (21) scored the bulk of our runs. Jack H struck early before a 50 partnership that was eventually ended by Thomas N and his quickfire 3/19. With two new batters at the crease, there was a chance to pounce but they nudged and nurdled their way home.
Against Denton West we breached 100 for the 1st time. James H (1/6), Callum G (1/6), Thomas N (2/35) and Thomas H (2/20) took vital wickets to slow the West response after an initial fast start but three quick boundaries from the #10 saved the day for them.
"To really emphasise the number of close finishes, the 15s left the closest till last! Chasing 89 against Middleton, it came down to the last ball with Mottram needing 4 to win but instead being on the end of an LBW call."
Thomas N scored 27 to be the backbone of the chase after Oliver C (2/4), Daniel M (2/30) and Patrick H (2/10) had done fine work to keep Middleton under 100. Nathan W and Haris A took it close, but just not quite close enough.
U15s Statistics |
Bowling: Thomas N (9 wickets @ 9.1), Patrick H (9 wickets @ 8.6), Thomas H (6 wickets @ 14)
Batting: Patrick H (201 runs @ 67), Eesa (103 runs @ 13), Thomas N (93 runs @ 16)
Under Eighteens
A season of two very distinct halves for the U18s who finished bottom of the East League before reacting positively and securing 2nd place in the Div 3 Performance League.
The early season defeats in the East League still contained plenty of individual standout moments with Charlie Green securing a 1st U18s 50*, Dan C in fine form for 40 v DSL and a creditable team performance v Stalybridge with Dan 33*, Jude (2fer) and Henry 24 the highlights.
Things got much brighter though once the Performance League started.
"On the road to Littleborough it was Dan C (50*) and Dan D (37) that got us to 111 from our 20. Any attempt at a chase was ended almost immediately as Henry (2/7) and Lucas (3/3) blew them away. Charlie, Harry, Jude and James S all chipped in with wickets as they were all out for 47."
A fortnight later, Dan C carried on his fine form with 39 from 28 as we set Stalybridge 146. Jack H took 2/5 to turn things on their head following Stalybridge’s good start. Despite a late charge meaning some expensive overs at the death, we hung on.
A number of opposition concessions followed before the return fixture and a comfortable win for Stalybridge. Thomas N (34) and Patrick H (18*) did a fine job to take us to 81 and Lucas (1/15) went right through the opener but a classy 50* from the other opener guided them to victory.
The Summer Cup was another opportunity for U18s game time. Verus Droylsden, Charlie G bagged a 2nd U18s 50* of the season, well supported by Dan C (22) and Henry (20). Eesa took a fine catch to give Lucas an early wicket but the #2 and #3 for Droylsden got settled in and knocked it off 1 down.
Defeats to Flowery (Henry 1/19) and Ashton (Thomas N 28, James S 1/28) rounded out the season with no progression to the QF.
U18s Statistics |
Bowling: Lucas F (8 wickets @ 33), Jude S (5 wickets @ 17), Henry D (4 wickets @ 39)
Batting: Dan C (256 runs @ 37), Charlie G (216 runs @ 22), Thomas N (84 runs @ 22)
Girls Team
A historic first ever season in a league as a girls team (U13s Softball) ended with a well-earned 2nd place finish and confirmation the future is bright for girls cricket at the club.
4 victories across the season, including a thriller against eventual winners Hayfield was delivered with a squad consisting of lots of U9s and U11s some of whom will have 4 more years of cricket at this age group!
Game 1 saw the team beat Marple on the road by a margin of 40 runs. Bowling first we restricted Marple to 40, with Evelyn’s early 3fer making good inroads. A middle order flurry of runs put Marple on the backfoot but Niamh took 4/2 in 2 overs to peg back Marple hugely. In response we started slowly Niamh, Lyra and Kiki all scored 13* as we secured the maiden win.
Earsla, Maisie and Kiki bowled beautifully in Game 2 v Woodford but a fantastic 4 overs from their last pair got them to a commanding score of 89. Maisie’s 10* in Pair 1 and some fine boundary hitting from Kiki got us to 54 but well short. Defeat on the road at Hayfield then left us needing wins from the next 2 games to stay in touch.
Hayfield were our next visitors and both sides played their part in a high quality, high scoring affair played in front of a big Friday night crowd.
"Batting first, MCC got off to a good start spearheaded by Hettie on debut. Iris smacked 13 off 8 in the middle overs to keep us in touch but not racing away. On a good wicket, runs were needed and last pair LGB (25*) and Megan (24*) put on 50 in the last four overs to take us to 98."
Whilst our innings had been slow, steady and then BANG! Hayfield accumulated nicely through all 4 pairs and were arguably in pole position until Megan’s spell of 2/12 put them off the pace. Lucy bowled a fine last over for just 1 run to calm the nerves and see us home.
Our final league game was a very satisfying win on the road at Stockport Georgians. Charlotte F and Erin K (both U9s) in as last minute call-ups, put in fantastic performances well beyond their years to help us make it 2 wins on the bounce.
Batting 1st, MCC scored 107. Whilst the headlines are LGB (17*) and Niamh (12*), it was the work of Lydia L and Charlotte F in Pair 2 that stood out. Both batted beautifully and ran excellently between the wickets to propel us to a score of 40 at the half way stage of our innings.
Defending our 107 was no mean feat with Pairs 2 and 3 going hard at the ball for Georgians and finding the boundary regularly. Megan M calmed things down with 1/7 before Niamh ensured there was to be no late drama with 2/14. Georgians ultimately 28 behind our score.
There have been 3 festival appearances this summer for the girls too. At Romiley, Coach Paul and Captain Lydia led the Blues to victory in the U11s pool and at Woodford, the U13s finished 3rd in their pool propelled by big-hitting Iris. At the MCC Bank Holiday tournament we fielded two sides, which was a great show of the strength in depth in the girls set-up considering it was holiday season!
Girls Team Statistics, League Only |
Bowling: Niamh B (6 wickets @ 2.6), Evelyn R (5 wickets @ 12), Megan (3 wickets @ 17)
Batting: Megan M (58 runs @ 19), LGB (56 runs @ 56), Iris M (48 runs @ 48)
