Report: Competitive league cricket makes return

Following a cancellation of the competitive league season last year, the division structure made it's much-anticipated return on Saturday.

The 1st XI got their season underway at Radcliffe Road on Saturday against familiar opponents, Edgworth. Captain Gary Garner won the toss and elected to bat on a clear warm day. Despite the early loss of club pro Ben Gorton, Bury built a strong base to the innings, with Ammar Baig and Jacob Ramsay putting on 50 for the second wicket.. Ramsay (35) impressed before he was stumped off Jamie Smith, and after 3 quick wickets Edgworth put Bury on the back foot at 67-4 after 30 overs. Alex Breckin (27) and Dom Morris came together and put on 93 runs for the 5th wicket. Morris made 50 with his fourth six, and finally fell with 1 over to go for 60 from 62 balls. An unfortunate moment saw Edgworth captain and overseas Christian Smith suffer a knee injury on the boundary, which meant he could play no further part in the game. Bury finished their 50 overs on 165/6.

Bury started strongly with the ball, reducing Edgworth to 25-3 after 10 overs, with Mukhtar Nasir (7-1-27-2) taking 2 wickets in 3 balls in his first spell on his return to the club. Alex Breckin took the wicket of Liam Watkinson (28) but that would be the final moment of success in the game for the home side. An unbeaten partnership worth 100 between Jon Kerrigan (54*) and Alex Waddicar (35*) saw Edgworth comfortably home with a 6 wicket win within 39 overs. (Scorecard)

On Sunday, the 3rd XI also endured a tough start to the season with a defeat at Werneth against Oldham West. Having won the toss and choosing to bat, Oldham West posted 230 before being bowled out in the final over, with a majority of the wickets coming from the seam bowling trio of Zarqash Ali (3/51), Joe Spencer (2/24) and Harry Williamson (2/46). In reply, Bury were bowled out for 102, with the highlights being Ghalib Sarosh's 27 and young George Mills (15) batting for an hour on debut. (Scorecard)

Next weekend, the 1st XI make a trip to Flowery Field, who also lost their opening fixture. The 2nd XI begin their league season at home to Winton, and the 3rd XI play at home on Sunday to Whalley Range. 

(Instagram @burycc)