Senior Cricket Round-Up - End of 2025 Season
1st XI
2025 ended in delight for the 1st XI as they timed their run-in to perfection and secured promotion from the GMCL Championship to GMCL Premier 2, courtesy of a 3rd place finish.
In stark contrast to last year, the season started in glorious sunshine and the 1st XI got things off to a positive start with a home win versus Greenfield. Stalwart Andrew Metcalfe compiled an imperious 101 opening up to help set Greenfield 274 to win. Their chase started solidly enough with the openers reaching 69 without loss before guest-pro Samit Patel trapped the opener LBW. From there the visitors worked to chip away at the target but Daniel Brightmore (2/54) and Ryan Fitton (2/56) ensured they finished 22 short.
A couple of weeks later and Glossop were defeated at the MCG too. A. Metcalfe and Guest Pro Jacques Snyman (51 off 33) getting Mottram off to a rapid start of 71 off 10 overs. From there the bulk of the Mottram runs came from the bat of R. Fitton (74*). Glossop had 236 to chase but J. Snyman (4/49) and R. Fitton (4/35) made sure Glossop finished well short.
Ryan Fitton in the wickets and Jacques Snyman dispatching it to all parts was to become a regular theme during productive May and June fixtures that saw the 1s climb to 2nd
in the Championship.
Glodwick’s visit to the MCG saw them set a seemingly competitive 258, but they were overhauled with 8 wickets to spare.
"Sub-pro Snyman and Andrew Metcalfe did the heavy lifting with the bat. Metcalfe scored breezily enough for his 65 off 61, but it looked positively glacial next to Snyman’s 152* containing 18 4’s and 8 6’s."
A week later Hadfield found themselves undone by a Ryan 5fer as the 1s won by 6 wickets. A comprehensive defeat of Friarmere (65 AO) ended the month on a positive note, with Ryan’s 58* and Mo’s 5/31 ensuring a comfortable afternoon.
June ended with Snyman repeating the trick, scoring 133* unbeaten as Woodhouses were undone by 9 wickets. A few lean weeks followed with runs drying up and defeats to Moorside, Hadfield, Greenfield and Swinton Moorside saw the 1s slip back into the pack of promotion chasers.
What better way to stop the rot than ending the league leaders unbeaten run? Heywood visited the MCG having won 17 of 17 played games. Snyman’s 70, Skipper Fielding’s 53* and Danny Brightmore’s quickfire 53 put them under pressure to chase 265. A fine 115* from R. McKay, kept them afloat but Mo (3/54), Jacques (3/44) and Ryan (2/80) ensured they finished 60 short.
From there the chase was back on with 2 wins from the final 2 almost certain to send the 1s up. Light work was made of Moorside with Daniel Brightmore’s 5/27 skittling them for 121. An assured 59* from Andrew Metcalfe seeing us past them.
A simple sounding equation on the final day then. A trip to Woodhouses knowing that matching or bettering Greenfield’s result at Moorside would see us promoted. With rain around, it was a stop start affair. Mottram had Woodhouses 3 down courtesy of a fine spell by Mo, but the rain closed in and the umpires called it a day. That meant an anxious wait to see what happened at Moorside v Greenfield. That game became a 20 over affair before also falling victim to the rain. The points shared there meant the 1s went up and will be playing in Prem 2, the 2nd highest level in the GMCL in 2026.
1st XI Statistics |
Bowling: Ryan Fitton (45 wickets @ average of 17.6), Ismail Iqbal (32 wickets @ average of 20), Jacques Snyman (28 wickets @ average of 15)
Batting: Jacques Snyman (534 runs @ average of 59.33), Andrew Metcalfe (492 @ average of 26), Ryan Fitton (411 @ average of 32)
2nd XI
For the 2nd XI a disappointing end to the campaign, with relegation confirmed on the final day.
Things started with a opening day victory at Woodley. Having elected to bowl, Mottram got early reward courtesy of James Starr snaring the opener for 5. Alice Dyson then castled the other opener to leave Woodley at 48 for 2. Their middle order had no answer to the guile of Paul Graeme Marks whose 5/25 left Woodley 90 for 8 before late resistance meant they garnered 135. The chase was relatively comfortable all in all with Sam Smith’s breezy 55 breaking the back of it.
From there May and early June were tough as several batting chases fell short, before three wins on the bounce kept the 2s in touch with those around them.
The visit of Royton saw Bailey, Alice and PGM all bagging 3fers as the visitors were restricted to 127 AO. James Collinson started the chase at a rapid rate of knots to get us to 40 before his demise. From there a classy Matt Faz 50 and a fluent 30 from Sean saw us home.
Moorside away saw the 2s make it back to back wins. Openers Bailey Russell (3/25) and Michael Scott (4/30) tore through the Moorside top order before a late-order salvo saw them recover to an eventual total of 167. That was no match for the in-form Matt Fazackerley who’s 78* saw us home with 11 overs to spare.
"It was soon 3 in a row, courtesy of Sean O’Mara’s flawless 132* that saw Woodley beaten by 188 runs. Sean’s impressive feat was well supported by Michael Scott and Harry Moore who both bagged 5 wicket hauls to knock Woodley over quickly."
July and the early parts of August were marred by injury and absence contributing to 4 defeats on the spin. It wasn’t for the want of trying, with Bailey Russell in particular stepping up to the plate. His July and early August figures included marathon bowling spells that yielded 3/41, 6/53, 5/67 and 5/44.
With senior figures back in the mix for the run-in things improved noticeably. Against Friends United we posted 149 (thanks in large part to a swashbuckling Andrew Willerton 73) before rain saw the points shared. From there, came the rolling of Royton. Michael Scott was unplayable as his 6/21 ended Royton’s innings for 67.
With Royton beaten by 7 wickets, a final day survival feat was on the cards. The 2s hosted Moorside knowing a win kept them in the division. Bailey was the main man with the ball once again, taking his fourth 5 wicket haul of the season up top. Moorside's tail wagged and got them to 212.
A quick start from Sam Smith and Andrew Willerton saw us for 40 for 0 and looking well on track, before Sam played on and Andrew's Achilles exploded. Hassan (27) and Dan Crudden (30) did the bulk of the work in the middle order to keep us in touch. Rain reduced the target to 207 and Bailey kept the patio believing right to the last ball with 30 off 17. Ultimately though, we we were 2 runs short.
Whilst a disappointing ending to 2025, with a strong winter and better luck with availability there is no reason to think we can't put it right in 2026.
2nd XI Statistics |
Bowling: Bailey Russell (43 wickets @ an average of 13), Michael Scott (32 wickets @ an average of 16), Alice Dyson (22 wickets @ an average of 26)
Batting: Matthew Fazackerley (277 runs @ an average of 35), Phillip Rowston (276 runs @ an average of 17), Sean O'Mara (213 runs @ an average of 43)
3rd XI
For the 3rd XI, 8th place in Sunday Division 2E and a season of individual promise but not enough full team performances to convert into regular victories.
Much like their 1s and 2s counterparts, the 3rd XI started the season with a victory. Matchday #1 saw DSL visit the MCG. Having elected to bat the 3s contrived to lose wickets at concerning intervals with 98 for 5 not rewarding the Skipper's faith entirely.
"James Collinson (22) looked good early on and D. Crudden’s 35 added much needed heft to the middle order’s efforts. It was down to two young guns P. Hannon (35* on debut) and C. Green (26*) to lift our total from potentially below par to a much more satisfying 196."
DSL started assuredly but slowly, reaching 60 without loss looking untroubled but also noticeably behind the required rate. Eventually pressure told as S. Smith removed both openers and raced through the middle order with glee. His 6/35 ensured DSL finished 72 short.
From there, began the pattern of patches of promise not being converted to wins.
Against Shaw, 233 looked a tall order but an admirable 70* from Thomas Norris (his first senior 50) and Farrell Kilbane's display of brutish hitting (30* off 21) had Shaw panicking but we finished 30 short.
The home game v Ashton followed a similar pattern too. Ashton set off like a steam train before Sam Smith (4/60) and Michael Beech (3/57) slowed their momentum. 213 their final score.
In response, Sam Smith opened the innings with a simply magnificent 91 off 53 which put MCC in a strong position. From there though as Ashton turned to spin, the game turned in their favour. Smithy holed out and Dave Green was trapped LBW. The rain came again to end proceedings with Ashton in front.
3 weeks later, Saddleworth hosted the 3s and Sam Fazackerley hit a trademark 87 full of brute power and big backlifts. He took us to a competitive looking 220 before it smashed it down. July saw only one game, away to DSL. George Bernard (5/6) appeared to have blown them away for a below par 76. But the adage of never judge a pitch till both teams have batted was proven true as MCC’s total was 54 AO.
The final weeks of the season in August and September saw defeat to Milnrow before games v Shaw, Saddleworth, Ashton Ladysmith and Heyside fell foul of the weather. Of those, there was just enough time at Ladysmith for James S to knock the off stump over.
3rd XI Statistics |
Bowling: Sam Smith (10 wickets @ an average of 13), George Bernard (9 wickets @ an average of 4.2), James Starr (7 wickets @ an average of 38)
Batting: Sam Fazackerley (136 runs @ an average of 45), Sam Smith (122 runs @ an average of 30.50), Thomas Norris (90 runs @ an average of 45)
4th XI
A productive and progressive season for the 4th XI who recorded a much improved record of 5 wins across league and friendly fixtures in 2025 season compared with the last campaign.
Whilst the season started with defeat to Georgians, the promising bowling spells of Dan M (2/22) and Lucas F (1/8) boded well for the season ahead. That friendly loss was immediately followed by 4 wins in 6 as the 4s and new Skipper Stephen Scott built up a head of positive momentum.
A first ever senior 50* for Charlie Green and 22* from Patrick H helped set 197 for Holmes Chapel to chase. 2fer for Thomas N, Mitch Wood and Patrick ensured they ended well short.
In the return fixture at Holmes Chapel, it was hot and there was loads of wasps. Mike Marsden rolled back the years with a vintage 42 that took us to a total of 107. 3fer from Marsden Junior plus valuable wickets for James H, Thomas H and Jack H looked to have turned things in our favour but Chapel’s experienced tail saw them home.
A week later and first league victory, away to Stalybridge. Debuts for Niamh and Callum saw them take their 1st ever senior wickets, with Adie Davis bustling his way to 3fer. The hosts set 142 which was overhauled thanks to fine work from Alice, Bailey and Sam Faz.
A tough shift v Glossop was soon followed by a strong performance in victory against Old Glossop. Youngsters Dan and Jack took 2fers to halt a fast Old Glossop start and with help from Mitch restrict them to 130. Sean and Andy started classily before quick wickets caused a wobble. A 50 partnership from Mitch and Patrick calmed things down and CGB saw us home with wickets to spare.
The following weeks saw Andrew Willerton show his range of silky shots at the top of the order, 44 versus Stalybridge in a narrow defeat and 50* versus Bowdon Val allowing him to go through his complete repertoire of flicks, pulls and vicious cuts.
A 4 wicket loss away to league leaders Glossop was a creditable effort with Oliver Bambroffe’s rapid 26 and Captain Scott’s aesthetically pleasing 18 taking us to a potentially defendable 130. Oliver and Callum G both bagged pleasing 2fers before James H and Dan M picked up 1 apiece to make it nervier than perhaps expected. Glossop rallying well to get home.
The final two league games saw a fine home win and an edge of the seat defeat at Tintwistle.
"CGB and Mike Marsden batted beautifully to both retire on 50* as we scored 161 against Old Glossop. The visitors fell short with Ste Scott’s 3/21 wrecking their middle order and Thomas H (3fer), James H (2fer) and Eesa (2fer) ensuring their tail never wagged."
Wrapping up the campaign was a nerve shredding 1 wicket loss at Tintwistle. Callum (21) and Tom N (18) were going beautifully when rain came and ruined their rhythm. 81 from our 25 overs was a touch short but Lucas’ maiden MCC 5fer was full of snorters that kept the game wide open. Ste, Dan and Callum all chipped in as we took it to the wire but their wily tail snook home.
4th XI Statistics |
Bowling: Lucas Fletcher (13 wickets @ average of 22), Daniel Marsden (10 wickets @ average of 16), Stephen Scott (10 wickets @ average of 25)
Batting: Andrew Willerton (211 runs @ average of 70), Chris Green-Buckley (211 runs @ average of 23), Michael Marsden (136 runs @ average of 22)
Women’s 1st Team
An undoubtedly successful 2025 for the Women’s 1st XI saw them finish joint 2nd in the newly restructured Division 1, and also reach the cup Finals Day.
With pre-season nerves high about competing at the tweaked top-level it was key that the side got off to a strong start. They faced off v Dinting first up. Dinting won the toss and asked Mottram to have a bat. Careful accumulation was the name of the game for pairs 1 to 3, before Aimee (12*) and Annie (14) accelerated nicely to get Mottram to 275 off their 16.
The Dinting response started nicely for Mottram with Imogen and Cheryl both striking early to increase the difficulty of the chase. Dinting rode that early set back well and kept up with the strike rate throughout. Needing 4 from the last over to win, they took 9 to win by 5.
The tables turned a week later though with Mottram coming out on the right side of a Barest Of All Margins thriller. Old Glossop were asked to have a bat by Skipper Crudden who saw her bowlers repay her faith, with wickets falling at regular intervals courtesy of Imogen, Aimee, Cheryl, Julie and some fine work behind the stumps by RMB. 276 the target set. Mottram’s chase was disciplined with only two wickets lost as they successfully chased the score with the last pair providing 27 from the last 4 overs.
June got off to a cracking start with Charlesworth defeated by 34 runs. Batting first, Sharon’s 14* spearheaded our 277. Imogen’s 3/17 and a tidy 1/13 from LGB ensured Charlesworth were always behind the game with the bat.
Closing out June was a trip to Dinting where a nerve-wrecker of a chase ultimately ended with MCC 9 short. 2fers for Imogen and Sharon plus a fine LGB run-out kept Dinting to what felt a chaseable 262. MCC batted tidily but the run-rate crept up throughout the first 12 overs, leaving Sisters Joanne and Amy needing north of 30. They batted beautifully to keep Dinting nervous for all 4 of their overs, but we fell 8 short.
Whilst those Dinting defeats and a Romiley loss had ended hopes of being Div 1 Champions, July was a key month as good form would see the team in the hunt for 2nd. In the end, they were not just in the hunt but were invincible in July, winning all 5 games with relative comfort.
22 from Annie, 12 from Tilly and Imogen’s 3fer saw off Old Glossop at The MCG, before Annie and Lucy blew Hayfield away with the ball on a scorching evening. The Hayfield return fixture was just 4 days later and saw Joanne’s 15 enable MCC to set 286. More Imogen and Lucy wickets ensured it wasn’t troubled.
With good form firmly established, Romiley were next to be brushed aside with the returning Diane Fildes taking 3/11 to wrestle control of the game. Last up in the league, Charlesworth succumbed by 89 runs, Julie’s 2fer, Annie’s 4fer and early runs from Rachel ensuring MCC were always in a strong position.
In the Cup, another run to the final has been temporarily thwarted by the weather! Wins over New Mills and Hazel Grove saw us through to the semi-finals, which thanks to inclement weather will now take place in 2026.
Women’s 1st Team League Statistics |
Bowling: Annie Bate (20 wickets @ average of 10), Imogen Schofield (18 wickets @ 12), Lucy Green-Buckley (13 wickets @ 12)
Batting: Annie Bate (147 runs @ 32), Imogen Schofield (102 runs @ 29), Rachel Bradburn (71 runs @ 9)
Women’s 2nd Team
A late addition to the MCC roster, the Women’s 2nd Team has been an unplanned success of 2025 with a respectable 6th place secured (6 wins from 14) and several new players blooded in their 1st season of cricket.
First up under the MCC banner, they played Dinting.
A tidy 12* from Sarah Harris helped us set 289. Amanda Hastie (1/29) and Gemma Simpson (1/8) enabled us to keep chipping away at Dinting but their late order batting power saw them win by 30.
After positive performances in defeat to Newton (Sam Patterson 13*) and Stalybridge (Amanda Hastie 1/32, Sharon Norris 15*) victory followed on the road at Mobberley, Annie 33* made the hosts sweat before Imogen’s 3fer ensured we held our nerve for the win.
Closer to home, they got over the line v Newton too. Stephanie’s 20 and Jemima’s 13 the basis for our 304. 2fer for Skipper Diane, 1 for Jemima and 1 for Jordan did the trick as we defended the score with room to spare.
"July brought 3 more wins as the team settled into the season and began to string together performances more consistently. Tracy (13*), Jemima (15*) and Sarah (1/9) saw off Stalybridge at home before Cheryl (16), Jemima (16) and Amy 1/9 gave us a win on our travels to Offerton."
Offerton (Cheryl took 3/24), Mobberley and Dinting won close return fixtures against us to prevent a charge up the table but the season was rounded out with a satisfying win over High Lane, a Jordan 3fer proving to be the point of difference.
Women’s 2nd Team League Statistics |
Bowling: Stephanie Morton (5 wickets @ an average of 37), Imogen Schofield (4 wickets @ 11), Jordan Berry (4 wickets @ 26)
Batting: Jemima Woolstencroft (99 runs @ an average of 20), Stephanie Morton (97 @ 43), Annie Bate (73 @ 32)
