As we approach the six-week mark of the 2023 season, it’s been a mixed start with both results and weather.

The First Team set off well with wins over Bury (who are now top) and Saddleworth, before having Dukinfield on the ropes prior to biblical rain. Defeats to Royton in a close game and Woodhouses (slightly less close) followed. The 1’s travel all the way to Edenfield (12:30) this coming Saturday, followed by the first round of the Cup, away to Wytenshawe (13:00)

The Second Team followed suit with two wins against Shaw (Miracle of Mottram Part 3), and Saddleworth, before defeats to Werneth and Woodhouses. The second team of course have progressed in the cup thanks to a superb 8-wicket win against Edgworth on Sunday last, thanks to superb knocks by Ben Martin (71*) and Sam Fitton (78), chasing down 227. The 2^nd team are at home this Saturday to Springhead 1^st XI (12:30), who sit top of Division 4 East.

The Third Team had the rough end of the weather at the start of the season, failing to complete a number of matches in April, before a bad day at the office against Whalley Range. A defeat to DSL followed, before notching their first win away at Droylsden last weekend. They face Ashton away this coming Bank Holiday Monday (12:30)

The Fourth Team, playing their maiden season in the Derbyshire & Cheshire Cricket Sunday League, have won two from two in their competitive fixtures. A grand day out at Chapel, where the old stager Mark Hannon saw the side home, followed by a dismantling of High Lane, where Nigel Corless rolled back the years to take a low slip catch. This Sunday sees a return of the Broadbottom Road Derby, as Sam Bennett’s charges make the short trip down the road. (13:00).

The Over 40’s sensibly waited for the weather to improve before commencing their campaign. Playing numbers are high, with Reichsmarshall Swann electing to implement a rotation policy that Rafa Benitez would be proud of. It’s been two defeats so far, but the social side has been brilliant. Their next fixture is on Tuesday 30^th, at home to Broadbottom (18:15).

The Women’s Team got underway with a softball festival at home, welcoming teams from across the area. Whilst not making the knockout stages, it was a great day for all who came. In their league campaign, its 1 defeat so far, before the fixtures come thick and fast.