Bury Cricket Club
Bury Cricket Club
Our End of Season Awards were presented on Saturday evening, well done to all listed below! We can confirm that next year, our End of Season Dinner Event will return, with plans already beginning to take place. 2023 Award Winners: 1st XI Batting : Dominic Morris 393 runs @ 28.07 1st XI Bowling : Ali Naizi 40 wickets @14.00 2nd XI Batting : Mumtaz Mirza 265 runs @ 33.13 2nd XI Bowling : Matt Metcalfe 23 wickets @ 16.39 3rd XI Batting: Joe Mitchell 271 runs @ 30.11 3rd XI Bowling: Josh Bowen 23 wickets @ 12.78 Fielding Trophy: Usama Akram 13 catches Wicketkeeping Trophy: Sajad Safi 15 victims Duck Cup: Adam Smith 9 Idiot Cap: Alan Breckin
Now we have reached the end of the senior season, our Thursday social nights will begin at the slightly earlier time of 7pm. All of our members and supporters are invited each week. We have our dartboard, pool table and card game area all available for you to come and enjoy a laid-back evening! Dominoes sets have been ordered and will be here by next week.
Following the conclusion of Saturday's games, we will, similar to the previous two seasons, be ordering in food from our sponsors Piri Piri Grillo, and our senior will be handed out. Orders will be taken from around 7pm (dependent on the finishing time of our two games) with the awards to follow the food. Darts & Pool will be played whilst we wait for the food, as well as showing the evening's Premier League action. All club members and supporters are invited and encouraged to attend!
The sun made a welcome return and so did an upturn in our fortunes over weekend 20 - a perfect 18 point weekend with each of our sides picking up bonus point victories. The 1st XI sealed a comfortable victory away at Stretford, a result that confirmed we will be playing in the Championship again next season, and consigned Stretford to relegation themselves. A patient opening partnership between Mukhtar Nasir and Ali Naizi (25) laid the foundations for the Bury innings, and that had escalated to 131-1 just before Nasir fell for an excellent 69 - Alex Breckin the man at the other end, who scored a quick 40. A slight middle order collapse threatened to undo a lot of the hard work, but some late Sajad Safi (24) blows pushed Bury upto 181 before they were all out. Whilst Stretford's top three threatened a good start for the hosts, any hopes of a run chase that would keep them alive for at least another week were quickly diminished. After the second wicket fell, Stretford were all out just 12 overs later. Ali Naizi twice had hatrick balls in a 7 over spell that finished with figures of 6-16, with Bury winning by 92 runs to consolidate the current 5th position. (Scorecard) Meanwhile the 2nd XI, missing a few due to unavailability and 1st XI call-ups, had the tricky task of trying to take something away from a game at home to promotion pushing East Lancs Paper Mill. After choosing to bowl first, the ever-reliable opening pairing of Matt Metcalfe (3-32) and Mohammed Majid (4-25) caused top & middle order chaos on a wicket that was difficult to score on. After 16 overs, the visitors were 23-6. Tom Partington (31) proved the mainstay for the Millers and a couple of lusty blows pushed the score past 50. However, Amir Hayat and Ali Shah were quickly into the wickets to finish the first half job - 72 the target to win. After a couple of early wickets, Usama Akram stepped up and took control of the innings. His usual attacking style took the game away from ELPM, scoring 56 from 49 balls, falling just before the finish line - but it was crossed with just 3 wickets lost, meaning Bury took maximum points from the game and took a huge step towards sealing survival, with 2 points from the final 2 being enough to mathematically secure it. (Scorecard) The 3rd XI made it a trio of 6 point wins on Sunday with 77 run victory at home to Tottington St Johns. On a slow scoring wicket and outfield, it was a patient 40 overs from Bury, with knocks from Sabat Ali Ahmed (22) and Arshad Raza (21) controlling the innings in the first 30 overs. An unbeaten 7th wicket partnership worth 44 in the last 8 overs between Adam Smith (31*) and Freddie Nicol increased the tempo and pushed the total to a competitive 123-6. The visitors were in early disarray with the bat in hand - 4 wickets falling in the first 3 overs with Arshad Raza, Scott Worswick and a run out all contributing. Totty never recovered from that position of 2-4, with wickets being shared around, they were bowled out for 46 inside 19 overs to seal another 6 point win, which took Bury up a couple of places in the Sunday Division 2N table. (Scorecard)
The 1st XI made it back-to-back victories to move to just one win away from sealing safety from relegation, in a very tight Championship, sitting in 5th position. Bury were asked to bat first after an initial delay to get the ground fit for play, and were bowled out for 139 with 10 balls of their 42 overs remaining. Only two batsmen reached double figures, but Nasir (41) and Jno Lewis (50) made sizeable contributions as both continued their late season form to get the home side upto a competitive total. With the ball, Nasir took the early key wicket of Paul Gallagher, before Alex Breckin removed Edenfield’s overseas pro Dhanushka Dhamasiri first ball – his second first ball duck against Bury this season. A 4th wicket partnership between Edward Taylor (33) and Harry Fallon (17) took the visitors above the DLS par score as rain began to fall around the 20 over mark, but the wicket of the latter, off the bowling of Ali Naizi, put Bury back on top. A short rain delay halted preceedings and reduced the Edenfield target to 123 from 35 overs. Alex Breckin struck with 3 wickets in 4 balls in the 33rd over as he ripped through the lower order, before Nasir returned to take the final wicket – Edenfield falling 21 short of their target. (Scorecard)
The 1st XI completed a league double over 2nd placed Woodhouses with a 156 run victory at Belfields on Saturday. Bury batted first and had a cautious start to their innings, reaching 72-2 at drinks. Mukhtar Nasir (34) departed a couple of overs later, and two more quick wickets put Woodhouses on top at 90-5 with 20 overs remaining. Kershaski Jno Lewis and Gary Garner however fought back – the 6th wicket was worth 99 when the latter was bowled for 42. Jno Lewis reached his highest league score of the season, 91 from 67 including 8 fours and 4 sixes, before being controversially given run out in the final over. Bury finishing on 221-7. A fired up Mukhtar Nasir took 3 early wickets, the third perhaps the most important, with Majid Majeed ran out at the non-striker’s end after Nasir spilled a chance to catch Nick Hardman. However, his stay at the crease didn’t last much longer – he picked out Ali Hussnain at square leg from a rare loose delivery in an excellent Alex Breckin spell. The two first change bowlers were also in the mood for wickets, with three apiece for Ali Naizi – the highlight being a superb grab at long on by Breckin – and Jno Lewis, who ended the game in a fitting fashion, knocking the middle stump out of the ground to seal a comprehensive bonus point victory over the promotion hopefuls. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI were blown away at Radcliffe Road by Division 4W leaders Royton. Usama Akram (41) and Ali Hassan (38) provided a quick and strong start at 81-1, however a dramatic collapse, with 5 wickets for Dave Clarke and 4 for Joe Taylor, saw Bury all out for 104. Zarqash Ali took a wicket before the scoring began, but 66 from 67 balls from Clarke prevented any Bury hopes being raised, the target knocked off for the loss of 3 wickets inside 22 overs. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI had a batting innings to forget, being bowled out for 57 by Edenfield. However, a valiant effort with the ball meant it was far from easy-going for the visitors, Bury taking 8 wickets with 3 in Scott Worswick’s early spell and 2 for Josh Bowen. (Scorecard)
From 17th August, on every Thursday evening until the end of the season, following senior training, the club will be open for a darts, dominoes and pool evening. A range of different formats will be played over the first few weeks, and we are encouraging as many members, families & friends to come and join us! After the cricket season concludes, we aim to continue this throughout the winter, with details to be confirmed at that point. We look forward to seeing both some new and familiar faces!
The 2023/24 Premier League season gets underway on Friday and as always we will be running our Fantasy Premier League club league. Create or update your account, pick your squad, click the below link, and let battle commence! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/2tvu61 Or join with league code: 2tvu61
Last weekend yielded the biggest return of the season for our senior sides, with 14 points picked up across the two days, including two maximum point victories on Saturday, led by stand out performances from Alex Breckin and Mohammed Majid. The 1st XI hosted Dukinfield and batted first, and despite losing one early wicket, had much the better of the opening exchanges. Mukhtar Nasir passed 50 for the first time this season before drinks, and he with Alex Breckin put on 109 for the second wicket. Jno Lewis was caught on the boundary for a quick 17, before skipper Morris (45*) came together with Breckin for another sizeable, and ultimately unbeaten, 5th wicket stand worth 88. At the close of the innings, Alex was left agonisingly short of a first 1st XI century, on 98* in an innings that included 9 fours and 1 six, with Bury totalling 241-4. Nasir then backed up his good first innings showing with a wicket in the first over, Munir Khan bowled 4th ball for 2. Majid Talib picked up a direct hit run out in the 5th over before Nasir rounded off his opening spell by bowling the number 4. Dukinfield overseas pro Rameez Alam and former GMCL Prem winner Mark Dilnutt got the scoreboard moving quickly upwards before the former was trapped lbw by Ali Naizi and a tight Breckin spin yielded the wicket of the latter. Number 6 Ben Pugh (43) pressed on and still kept his side in the game before being ran out, before wickets from the spin of Talib and Naizi brought the game to a close - Dukinfield all out for 169 to seal a bonus point Bury win. The 2nd XI, with a number of key players missing, managed to repeat that feat with an impressive win over 4th placed Stand. A calm first half of the innings saw the Bury score at 59-3 at the half-way point before notable contributions of 24 from Mohammed Usman and 35 from Gary Garner pushed the score passed 100. Mohammed Majid's quick 24 ball blitz worth 39 put the home side on the back foot - Bury reaching 159 all out on a notoriously low scoring ground. Usman struck with the first ball of the second innings, with Matt Holt picking out Muhammad Raza in the field. Majid came into the attack first change to remove the other opener, an over before an Adam Smith stumping got the number 4. 46 runs were added for the 4th wicket in overs before Yusuf Zahoor had Chris Holt caught for 43. Garner took 2 wickets either side of a Majid burst that left him with figures of 5-17 in 12 overs with Stand bowled out for 105, 55 short of victory. On Sunday, the 3rd XI game away at Elton was abandoned 10 overs into the second innings due to persistent rain. Bury batted through their 40 overs for 135-8 - Joe Mitchell top scoring with 48 - and Elton came off with the score at 60-2 in the 11th over with both wickets for Tayab Shahbaz.
Another tour has now been and gone, and despite the weather cutting the week short, another fantastic few days was had by all who attended. Monday saw a first time visit to Buckley CC – a convenient stop off on the way to Llandudno. Buckley elected to bat first and raced along to 262 from their 40 overs, thanks mainly to some ‘friendly’ bowling. Overseas Kershaski Jno Lewis got his week off to a flying start with his first Bury ton, retiring after passing the century mark, whilst administering some revenge with some lusty blows after his spin bowling took some tap earlier in the day. Dom Morris (98*) almost repeated the feat, only having himself to blame after finishing the game with a 6 when on 92*, to ensure, alongside Paul (22), that Bury crossed the winning line with a couple of overs to spare. Arguably our biggest achievement of the day however was finding tables for everyone at Wetherspoons in Llandudno amidst the Monday Club chaos. On Tuesday, we batted first at Bangor but couldn’t repeat the batting performance from Monday. Bangor’s guest Craig Belston took 3 wickets as we were bowled out for 107, with only James Weston (38), Dom Morris (26), Jno Lewis (14) and Dave Bowen (13) reaching double figures. At drinks, Bangor were almost over the line, into the 90s without loss. Both in batsmen were retired, Neil rolled back the years with an impressive wicketkeeping stint to show it must run in the family, and a late flurry of wickets before the home win was confirmed added some respect to the scoreline – the Bangor pro eventually nervously getting them over the line, but only after Craig had to rush to put on his whites and pads. After a day of trips to the Orme, Whiskey Distilleries, Pubs and Arcades, unfortunately the forecast which had threatened Wednesday’s evenings T20 at Llandudno turned out to be correct, and there were no prospects of play when we arrived. Instead of our cricket bags, the darts were brought out to keep the competitive fluids flowing with 5 singles games (501, best of 3). Our inexperienced darting side put up a good fight before falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat. Those not participating in the darts ‘enjoyed’ an evening of Uno – which for the second night in a row tested relations within the touring party! On Thursday morning, with a majority of the touring party spending one last penny (or note in Joe’s case) in the Pier Arcade, news was received from Colwyn Bay that the overnight rain had put pay to any chances of play, disappointedly ending our week a few hours earlier than planned. Thanks to everyone who came and supported the week and made it another success despite only 2 days of cricket taking place!
Our annual North Wales Tour will take place from Monday 24th July to Thursday 27th July and we are now encouraging all of our members to confirm if they can make it! The format will follow the same as last year (though a week later): Monday 24th - 40 over game at Buckley CC (12:30pm start) Tuesday 25th - 40 over game at Bangor CC Wednesday 26th - Evening T20 at Llandudno CC Thursday 27th - 40 over game at Colwyn Bay CC Note that this week is the first week of the school holidays, so that members of our junior section can join us, and so we would advise booking sooner rather than later! Our main touring party will be based in Llandudno, near the sea front. The XIs we put out each day will vary (depending on who is making the trip), but we include all players whether they are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th XI, Junior or Social players. Senior players can signify if they are able to make it, and for which day(s), on Team App - we have now added an option for "Maybe" for those who are aiming to be there but this is still pending confirmation (due to work etc). For those not on the app, including our junior members and supporters - please let either James, Dom or Matt know that you are planning on joining us, and don't hesitate to ask any questions!
The 2nd XI had a strong weekend with the bat which saw them pick up their first league win of the season at Saturday, before they were cruelly denied progression in the cup in a bowl out defeat. On a hot day at Radcliffe Road, Edgworth won the toss and chose to put Bury into bat, a decision they were probably regretting at 145-2 in the 28th over. Zain Khan’s early 28 was followed by a strong 3rd wicket partnership between Raheel Kayani (26) and Mumtaz Mirza (70). Edgworth pulled themselves back into the game in the last 10 overs, Michael Shore taking 7/41, with Bury all out on the final ball for 208. Regular wickets stalled the momentum of Edgworth’s top and middle order, and when Mohammed Usman got the key wicket of Guy Haynes (41), Bury were well in control at 99-6. A 7th wicket partnership worth 42 threatened to put Bury under pressure, but ultimately, with 2 wickets apiece for Matt Metcalfe, Zain Khan and Usman, and 3 for leg-spinner Murtaza Ali, Edgworth were bowled out for 161. (Scorecard) On Sunday, in the 2nd round of the 2nd XI Premier Cup, Bury again were batting first, this time against Stand. Joe Mitchell (40) and Scott Worswick (27) passed 50 for the opening stand in the first 9 overs to set the tone of the innings, which was continued by Mohammed Usman (50 – his second fifty of the weekend following his first in the T20 on Friday), Amir Hayat (40) and Tayab Shahbaz (31) – 259-8 on the board at the end of the 45 overs. However, Sunday afternoon’s storms swept in and in a very short period of time, almost entirely flooded the outfield, removing any chance of play in the 2nd innings. A bowl out followed, and it was the visitors who hit the most, 4-2 in total, and it is they who progress to the Quarter Finals. (Scorecard) The 1st XI suffered double defeat in disappointing fashion, with a 8 run defeat at Edenfield on Saturday, followed by a 10 wicket DLS defeat to Werneth in the cup on Sunday.
Bury Cricket Club’s first pool and darts knockout competitions will begin shortly and are open to all. There will be separate competitions for juniors and seniors – Juniors up to 15 and Seniors 16+. Games will be played on a best of 3 basis for both pool and darts. Darts will be games of 301 and each round will have a play by date. If you want to take part please enter via this link.
The 1st XI posted 2 wins from 3 over the weekend, with another impressive T20 victory, and progression to the 2nd round of the 1st XI Championship Cup. The Bullsharks made it 3 wins from 3 on Friday night, with a second win over Premier 2 opposition, beating the Heywood Monkeys by 44 runs. Kershaski Jno Lewis was the star man with the bat for the Bullsharks, his 81* from number three came from 60 deliveries and included 13 fours, with Bury posting a very competitive 171-5 at Radcliffe Road. A number of key wickets at key times meant Bury could manage the second innings, despite a strong powerplay from Heywood. Sam Nolan-Massey and Ali Niazi both took 3 wickets in their 4 over spells – the Monkeys finishing on 127-8. (Scorecard) On Saturday, league struggles with the bat continued as GMCL Championship leaders Royton bowled out Bury for 142. Each of the top 6 got into double figures, but failed to convert into significant rules – Dom Morris top scoring with 42. Two early Mukhtar Nasir wickets reduced Royton to 14-2, but 30+ each for Liam Brown and Jack Fawcett led the home side home by 5 wickets. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 1st XI bounced back to seal progression to the second round of the 1st XI Championship Cup. Nasir (37), Jno Lewis (39), Morris (41*) and Nolan-Massey (31) contributed to Bury’s 226-7, before Ali Niazi (4/34) and Mohammed Jehangir (3/24) did the damage with the ball as South West Manchester were bowled out for 163. The next round takes place on 11th June, with a trip to Werneth in the diary. (Scorecard) In the other games, Bury Storm pushed a strong Prestwich Patriots side all the way on Thursday in the 2nd XI T20 competition, with the visitors passing the winning line with 2 balls remaining. At the weekend, the 2nd XI fell to defeat against high-flying Walshaw, whilst the 3rd XI bowled out Woodbank for 83 on their way to their first league victory of the season – Murtaza Ali was the star performer with 5/7. (Results)
We have a very busy Bank Holiday weekend of cricketing action at Radcliffe Road, with 6 games in 5 days, with all of our senior sides in home action, as well as our U11s. On each day, the kiosk will be open, selling soft & alcoholic drinks, snacks and ice creams. The action begins on Thursday, when the Bury Storm (2nd XI T20) take on the Prestwich Patriots. The T20 action continues on Friday, as the Bury Bullsharks face the Heywood Monkeys. Both sides are yet to drop points in the competition, so this could have a important bearing on the final standings in a month's time. On Saturday, the 2nd XI take on local rivals Walshaw from 12:30pm, whilst the 1st XI are in action away to Championship leaders Royton. On Sunday morning the U11s softball side take on Worsley at home, before in the afternoon the 1st XI complete the third leg of their triple-header, welcoming South West Manchester to Radcliffe Road in the 1st Round of the 1st XI Championship Cup. Bury will looking for revenge from the same round of the 2016 Derek Kay Cup, when South West caused a cup upset. Finally, the weekend will be rounded off on Monday with a 3rd XI league game - Woodbank will be the visitors, with the game starting at the earlier time of 12pm. Both the U13s and U15s are also in action over the Bank Holiday weekend - the U13s go to Woodbank on Sunday morning, before the U15s go to Elton on Monday evening.
Club Chairman Gary Garner closed the curtain on a 42 year senior career with a match winning knock at Elton as the 2nd XI put their league struggles behind them to progress to the 2nd round of the 2nd XI Premier Cup on Sunday. Elton, batting first, looked set to set a challenging total at 92-2 with 20 overs to go. Matt Metcalfe (9-1-24-1) and Mohammed Usman (9-1-21-3) tied up the middle order, before Garner claimed the 7th wicket in his and the final over, Elton finishing on 164-7. The Bury response didn’t get off to the best of starts, the top three all dismissed early on at 13-3. Garner and James Weston (42) came together for a 4th wicket partnership worth 108, before the latter was given lbw to swing the momentum and firmly put Bury in control. Sabat Ali Ahmed (21*) stayed with the chairman, who remained unbeaten on 62*, until the end as Bury ultimately coasted home by 6 wickets with 11.2 overs remaining. (Scorecard) Sunday’s win followed a league defeat at Heywood on Saturday. Raheel Kayani top scored with 48, in a second wicket partnership of 86 with Joe Mitchell (27), however the innings lost momentum in the last 15 overs, with 142-6 being posted from 45 overs, a total Heywood chased for the loss of 7 wickets with 2 overs to spare, despite being set back to 5-3 early on. Benjamin McCulloch’s excellent knock of 70* led the way for the home side, although there were 3 wickets apiece for Mohammed Majid and Zarqash Ali. (Scorecard) The 1st XI also fell to a disappointing defeat following a batting collapse at home to Saddleworth. Bowling first, Bury were well on top – a first Bury 5-wicket haul for Kershaski Jno Lewis (15-6-24-5) and early wickets for Mukhtar Nasir (15-2-40-3) had Saddleworth in trouble at 53-8. A resistant 9th wicket partnership pushed Saddleworth towards three figures, which they eventually reached, bowled out for 106. However Bury found themselves in a similar position – slipping to 22-6 and 46-7. Captain Dom Morris was the only one to reach double figures, and threatened to single-handily chase the total, but he was caught on 47 – Bury bowled out for 83 to see the points go to the away side. (Scorecard)
Another week and another two victories for the 1st XI - two results which sees them top both the T20 group and the GMCL Championship in the early stages of the 2023 season. The weekend began with an 8 wicket win on a breezy Friday evening in Milnrow. The Milnrow Rams batted first and it took until the 10th over for the Bullsharks to get a breakthrough, former Woodbank man Jack Wynn (19) was caught off the bowling of Sam Nolan-Massey. Top scorer Adam Yates (30) was stumped in the next over before an inspired bowling spell from the returning Mohammed Jehangir, despite spending a period of the innings off the field with a hand injury, of 3-14 meant all momentum from the home side's innings was lost. Milnrow Rams finished their 20 overs on 120-7. The Bullsharks were always ahead of the game with their reply, and needed just 4 batsmen to reach the target. Mukhtar Nasir (30) scored the early runs, before Kershaski Jno Lewis (48*) and Ali Niazi (27*) helped guide Bury home with more than 6 overs remaining. (Scorecard) Runs weren't as easy to find on Saturday, in the away league game to Dukinfield, with none of the top four making it to double figures, and Bury looking in trouble at 31-6. A captain's innings from Dom Morris (37), supported by a quick 19 from Usama Akram, helped push the score at least to a more competitive 96 all out. Dukinfield sent Munir Khan up the order to open with some attacking batting, but when he was given lbw to Nasir for 17, Bury's bowlers began to establish their dominance. Jno Lewis (1-22) and Nasir (2-18) did the job with the opening spells, before the slow-bowling pair of Ali Niazi (8-4-9-1) and Majid Talib (7.1-5-4-5) devestated the Dukinfield batting order. When the final wicket fell, a catch at silly point, Talib had a deserved five-fer, his second best Bury figures, and Bury had taken a winning bonus point, with Dukinfield all out for 64. (Scorecard)
It was a winning double for the 1st XI squad in week 3, with the T20 campaign getting off to a flyer on Friday before we took the points in a rain affected game at Winton on Saturday. The rain threatened to wipe out the opening T20, however it thankfully subsided, allowing time for a 16 over-a-side game to commence. The Bullsharks batted first and recorded 97-9 from their 16, with cameos from Kershaski Jno Lewis (20 from 10 balls) and Ali Niazi (25). The wickets in the second innings were shared around, with 4 bowlers taking 2 each in their 3 over spells, as the Barging Bears were tamed, finishing on 81-9. (Scorecard) On Saturday, Bury once again batted first, away to Winton in the GMCL Championship. Zain Khan (21) maintained his early season consistency at the top of the order, before the in-form Jno Lewis and Niazi put on 49 for the third wicket before the latter was caught for 31 in the 41st over with the score at 132-3. Jno Lewis went on to pass 50 for the first time in a Bury shirt, before a brief rain break reduced the Bury innings to 47 overs. The man from Dominica pushed his total upto 71 before he was bowled - Bury finishing their overs on 181-6 with Duckworth-Lewis-Stern revising the target to 189 for Winton to chase. An early wicket apiece for Mukhtar Nasir and Jno Lewis put the home side on the backfoot, however a fourth wicket partnership worth 56* between Keyur Patel and Praharsh Parikh kept them fighting, reaching 86-3 when drinks were taken after 22 overs. During the drinks interval, the rain began to come down harder, and was eventually enough to call time on the game - Winton were 3 short of the DLS par score, meaning Bury came away with the 5 points. (Scorecard) Meanwhile, on Thursday, Bury Storm had a strong display with the bat in their first T20 away at Milnrow, scoring 115-8, but heavy rain in the interval meant that game was abandoned. On Saturday, Woodbank 2s were the victors at Radcliffe Road by 6 wickets, whilst on Sunday, the 3rd XI came out narrowly on the wrong end of a 2 wicket result, the highlight being Talha Latif's maiden senior five-fer (6-1-15-5) as Bury came close to defending their 110-8. (Match Centre).
The 1st XI recorded their first victory of the season with a 5 wicket home victory over Hadfield St Andrews. The new visitors to Radcliffe Road won the toss and elected to bat first and Mukhtar Nasir struck early to remove the opening bat and numbers three and four for a combined total of one run. The wicket-keeping opener Tranter and overseas amateur Louis van Zyl fought back, putting on 70 for the fourth wicket in 18 overs, before Ali Niazi removed the former. The Hadfield lower order struggled and a superb spell from Kershaski Jno Lewis (4/20) meant they collapsed from 92-3 to 104 all out. Zain Khan (13), as he did in the first game at Mottram, looked promising opening the batting alongside the steady Gary Garner. Jno Lewis (39) just fell short of the 40 mark for the second week running, but he and Garner (24) had done most of the hard work - the score 88-3 when Lewis fell. A slight Bury stutter before the finish saw chances of a maximum points tally dissipate, but they still comfortably came home with a 5-wicket win. (Scorecard)
The time has come for the start of the 2023 season, with all three of our senior sides, as well as our junior sides, having their first GMCL fixtures of the year this weekend. As our members will know, ground preparation has been tough due to the poor weather conditions over the past 6 weeks or so, however should the weather hold in the 24 hours leading upto Saturday lunchtime, we will have our first cricket of the season at Radcliffe Road with the 2nd XI in action with a local derby to start the season against Unsworth 1st XI. The 1st XI hit the road with a trip to Mottram - a first GMCL meeting between the two clubs, as we begin life in the GMCL Championship. Both 1st and 2nd XI games are due to get underway at 12:30pm. On Sunday, the 3rd XI have a home fixture against Elton in the afternoon at 2pm, whilst the reverse fixture is due to take place at the Under 13 age group in the morning, and the U11 softball side are due to take on Saddleworth at home at the same time.
The cricket season is finally here and junior training will begin outdoors this week and run every Tuesday night until September from 6pm. This year, we have acquired a Level 3 coach, Ali Niazi, who will coach both our junior and senior sections. Extra sessions will also be ran throughout the week for individual junior sides. Bury CC has junior teams at the U9s, U11s, U13s and U15s age groups, as well as our All Stars and Dynamos programmes that begin in mid-May and run through to September. You can read more about these here.
Whilst the weather may have delayed our start to the season, that does not mean there is nothing going on at the club this weekend! Saturday is Grand National Day, and the club will be open from 2pm. Cheese & Wine will be available, and there will also be a raffle and a Grand National sweepstake. The Grand National itself is at 5:15pm.
The new season brings with it a sense of hope and a fresh start full of promise. This year such expectations have been dampened with the sudden passing of two of our best supporters. Ian Metcalfe was known to all as the father of Matt and Andrew but his involvement with the Club was far more that just that. Initially he helped develop the junior section (along with his mates Les & Peter) into such a strong position from which the Club has never looked back, and served as Chairman between 1999-2001. His off-field support was considerable, always attending fundraisers, especially the annual dinner where he was always amongst the last to leave. His name was first there on the list of ball sponsors or any other of our money-making schemes, and was a key figure in organising our car-boot sales at the club. A good club man, good fun, and there to help when needed. His passing was a great shock and our thoughts go to Christine, Matt and Andrew. Gerald Moore (known as “ G “) was the man many know as the chap who sat on the tractor, cutting the outfield, especially on the rugby field. Although he didn’t play cricket at Bury he did once come on Tour and started off with 4 ducks in a row!! You have to be a good player to do that. At Colwyn Bay he then went missing and a search party found him in an amusement arcade sat on a machine pretending to be a fighter pilot shooting down Stukas. G was always helpful to the Cricket section with his engineering skills, keeping old machines going so we could maintain the ground in good condition. We owe him a lot and are grateful for his efforts. His sudden passing on the very ground he cared for was especially sad but somehow appropriate. Both with be missed by all. MKB
We are just four weeks away from the first cricketing action of 2023, and here are some important news items. Get Set Weekend The ECB have launched 'Get Set Weekend' on the 1st & 2nd April where volunteers from clubs around the country will come together to get their grounds prepared for the 2023 season. Our day of action will be on Sunday 2nd April - we ask all club members to spare whatever time you have during the day. Providing we manage to complete all the jobs on that day, our outdoor facilities should be available to use from that week onwards. Captaincy Update The committee are pleased to confirm that Joe Mitchell will be continuing as 3rd team captain for 2023. Player Registration Player registration is now open for the 2023 season. Every player - both senior and junior - must complete this registration in order to be eligible to play any league games for Bury CC. Please see our guide on how to complete the registration here. Subs Payments For those paying in instalments, the second instalment of the 2023 subscriptions are now due. For seniors, this will be £50, and £25 for juniors. A reminder that senior players should have paid all three instalments of their subscription fee before the start of the season, unless they have agreed an alternative payment plan.
Player registration is now open for the 2023 season. Every player - both senior and junior - must complete this registration in order to be eligible to play any league games for Bury CC. Please read all of the below information and attempt to complete the registration as soon as possible. If you have any difficulties please contact james@burycc.co.uk. When registering you will need A personal e-mail address A card for payment of the £10 fee for all players over 18 A "passport style" image of your head and shoulders with no sunglasses or non-religious headwear which would prevent identification from the photo - this is for all players who will play Open-Age (senior) cricket - Please take note of the photo requirements - every year we have to spend time chasing people to change their photos during the season The payment of £10 is for players over 18 only, but all junior and senior players will receive the below benefits once registration is complete: Personal Accident Insurance for all GMCL games including travel to and from the games they take part in - GMCL have already paid this insurance and this is in place ready for the season Free Premium Access to the cricHQ stats and videos through the e-mail address you register with. For 2023 you will get full access to all the cricHQ features Registration is also open to club coaches and club officials (free) who will also be given access to the cricHQ app. Instructions When you click on this link you will be taken to the registration window for our club and ask if you are registering for yourself or registering as a guardian of a child under 16. If you registered as a player in 2022 and/or have an existing cricHQ account, then firstly sign in as prompted on the right hand side. This will then return you to the previous screen when logged in. Click on "Myself" or "My Children" - If the system recognises your e-mail address it will then ask if you want to link to your previous record on cricHQ. If you wish to link your stats you will achieve in 2023 to previous years (highly recommended) click 'select' and 'register selected player' (If you are new to the league this option will not appear. If you are not new to the club/league but this option does not appear, first check you have signed in with the same account you used last year before proceeding). This takes you to the next page where you do the basic registration - Enter name, initials, date of birth, gender then (Note - The initials are what would appear before your surname on the scorecard, e.g. if the initial is BG then the scorecard will read as 'BG Surname' - Every year people get the initials wrong - please read this carefully!!) add an image (optional for those not playing open age cricket); It must be a passport style, current, face forward, no headwear or face coverings, head & shoulders shot Then your ECB player type - this will be National Player for a majority of our players then add your professional or amateur status - for almost all this will be 'Does not apply' then your role - Official / Umpire / Player Where you have clicked on "My Children" - the page allows you to add more than one child and also asks for your details as parent / guardian When you click on 'Next' - the system will show the image, your name and age and then ask you to select your subscription type and when selected it will show the cost (£10) At the foot of the page are the GMCL & cricHQ GDPR policies and you click on the box to agree to the T&Cs & Club rules. At this point you can "Go Back" or "Submit" The payment process will follow You will then get another chance to double check, but the club admin can make amendments for you if needed. You will receive an e-mail to the e-mail address entered and you must verify your registration and claim your player profile. The league will review the registrations and notify the club if you fail to submit a suitable id photo, registration for the season will not be valid until the club administrator corrects the image. For a more detailed set of instructions including screenshots for each step then click here (note this re-directs to a GMCL webpage).
There are a number of ways that both individual supporters of the club and local businesses can support Bury Cricket Club through sponsorship during the 2023 season. Our Sponsorship options for 2023 are as follows: - Advertising Boards - £250 - Included in this cost is the creation of the board, and it's display in a prime location at our Radcliffe Road ground for one season (also available £350 for 2 seasons). Your business will also have it's details displayed on our Club App during this period. - Social Media Sponsor - £60 - During the 2023 season, this package includes your company's logo being displayed on our social media posts advertising upcoming games and events. Your business will also have it's details displayed on our Club App during this period. This also entitles your business to have one dedicated post per month during the season (April-September) on our social pages. - Match Ball Sponsors - £35 per game - Each of our home games during the 2023 season will be available for you to choose to sponsor the Match Ball. This package includes social media advertising for your business in the week leading upto the game (for businesses - or a public thank you for individuals). Should you attend the game, you will be invited to ring the bell at the start of the day's play, and will be given a complimentary drink during the game. If you are interested in any of the above options, or would like any more information, please contact Alan Breckin (alan@burycc.co.uk) or Gary Garner (gary@burycc.co.uk).
Bury CC's Annual Golf Day returns to Pike Fold Golf Club in Unsworth on Friday 12th May. We have places available for teams, but these are expected to sell out quickly so be sure to get in touch soon if you are interested! Details below: As usual, bacon butties and coffee will be provided, before a shotgun start at 1:30pm. The day will include a number of fresh changes to previous Golf Days - these will be confirmed soon so watch this space! Following the conclusion of the Golfing action, there will be an evening of fun including a 2-course hot buffet meal. Teams are to be in sizes of 4, with the total cost of £200 per team. Those interested in entering a team, or those who would like more information, should contact Dave Bowen (dave@burycc.co.uk).
All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket are back at Bury CC for 2023, and registration for our programmes are now open! All Stars Cricket is perfect for boys and girls aged 5-8. The activity and game based programme is suitable for all skill levels, providing your child with the foundations to begin a lifelong love of physical activity and cricket, while making friends in a safe and enjoyable environment. Every child that registers will receive their own backpack full of goodies, which includes a cricket bat and ball, and a personalised t-shirt with your child's name. All children returning to All Stars will receive a kit bag, a set of stumps, a new ball and a personalised t-shirt. Our All Stars Programme will get underway on Friday 19th May 2023, running every Friday from 6-6:45pm. Register here. Dynamos Cricket is perfect for boys and girls aged 8-11. Each week there will be a focus on a different cricket skill to build their confidence and ability. Dynamos Cricket will help grow your child's love of the game, and will give them the opportunity to socialise and make friends in a safe environment. Each Dynamo will receive their own New Balance playing shirt, Personalised with their name and number, Topps Cricket Attax cards and be given exclusive access to the new and improved Dynamos Cricket app (which includes weekly videos from your favourite Hundred players). Our Dynamos programme will commence on Tuesday 16th May, and will run each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm throughout the season. Register here. Our All Stars and Dynamos Activator is Matthew Metcalfe - if you would like any more information then get in touch with him via matt@burycc.co.uk, or on 07903310861.
The 2023 Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 30th January and the following positions were elected (*=confirmed after the AGM, see detail below): 1st team captain: Dom Morris 2nd team captain: Syed Hashmi* Chairman: Gary Garner Treasurer/Secretary: Alan Breckin President: Dave Leach Selection Committee: Team captains & Gary Garner General Committee: Mark Smith Matthew Metcalfe Dave Bowen James Weston Neil Smith* Mike Brawn made the decision over the winter to step down from the role of President, which he has held since 2018. Mike has been a fantastic ambassador to the club both on and off the field throughout his career, in more recent times, he has been a key part of organising our annual Golf Day which continues to be a success. We would like to pass our sincere thanks to Mike for his service in the role and hope to see him at Radcliffe Road during the season. Following Mike's decision to step down as Club President, Dave Leach was elected as the new President at the AGM. The role of President is one of the very few roles that Dave has not already held at the club, spending 8 seasons as 1st team captain, ranging over the period from 1971 to 1995, and 9 years as Club Chairman, as well as helping coach the juniors, maintaining the square and ground, acting as club umpire, organising the club tour and the list could go on! Dave has and continues to embody everything that Bury Cricket Club is about, and so we are honoured to have him serve as our Club President. Dom Morris was nominated and has agreed to become 1st XI captain. Dom has been a life-long member of Bury CC and made his first team debut in 2011, at the age of 13. Dom will also continue his role on the general committee, as first team captain. Gary Garner has stepped down from the role he has occupied for the past three years. For the role of 2nd XI captain, both Syed Hashmi and Gary Garner received nominations, however both agreed to decide between them who would take on the role rather than taking it to a vote on the night. We can now confirm that Syed, who took the team for a handful of games towards the end of the 2022 season, will be the 2nd XI captain in 2023. The role of 3rd XI captain is not a role for which nominations are asked for at the AGM, and this will be discussed and decided by the general committee at their first meeting following the AGM, which will take place in the next couple of weeks. On the evening of the AGM, the general committee consisted of the same individuals as 2022, however it was noted on the night that new members would be more than welcome and anybody interested in joining are encouraged to get in touch. Since the AGM, Neil Smith has volunteered to join the general committee - as our of our junior managers, Neil's involvement will be greatly beneficial in our efforts to bring together the junior and senior sections of the club.
The league fixtures for all of our senior sides have now been confirmed for the 2023 season. The 1st XI begin their first season in the Championship away at Mottram on Saturday 22nd April. The season ends with a trip to Greenfield on Saturday 16th September. The Championship division provides a mix of local trips (Edenfield), new grounds (Mottram, Hadfield St Andrews & Saddleworth) renewing older rivalries (Winton & Stretford) and continuing more recent ones (Glodwick, Greenfield, Royton, Woodhouses & Dukinfield). The 2nd XI will play in Division 4N (a change of Divisional level to last year due to a linear reallignment of the Divisional structure at Division 2), in a much more regionalised division compared to last year. The season begins with a home game against Unsworth 1st XI, and ends with another home game, against Thornham 2nd XI. The other teams in the division are East Lancs Paper Mill 1st XI, new team Rochdalians 1st XI and the 2nd XIs of local sides Elton, Woodbank, Walshaw, Heywood, Stand and Edgworth. We will soon learn the opponents for each our sides in the cup competitions. The provisional cup dates are on our club calendar, however note these are subject to change as we await confirmation as to which cup competitions our teams will be playing in. We have also entered both our 1st and 2nd XIs into the T20 competitions in 2023 - these fixtures are usually released a little later than the league & cup fixtures. All of our fixtures and cup dates can be viewed via the club calendar page, and via Team App (all members are now encouraged to reinstall the app for the 2023 season). You can sync the fixtures to your personal calendar on your mobile or tablet device by clicking the '+ Google Calendar' button in the bottom right.
Our indoor junior sessions recommence on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th January, and will run for 10 weeks. Full details below: - Wednesdays: U13s & U15s - Thursdays: U9s & U11s - All sessions 6-7pm at Derby High School, Radcliffe Road, Bury - £3 per head per session - Beginners are welcome! For more information or any queries please contact Matt Metcalfe via matt@burycc.co.uk
As previously advertised, the 2023 Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 30th January. The meeting will commence at 7:30pm. Ahead of the AGM, we wish to seek nominations for all positions, which can be done by editing the Google Sheet on this link. Nominations can also be made and apologies can be passed on ahead of the night by emailing alan@burycc.co.uk or buryccwebsite@gmail.com
At this festive time of year, the club committee would like to wish a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday season and New Year to all our members and supporters. Club Chairman Gary Garner would like to pass on the following personal message: Another year has passed and I’d like to thank all the volunteers and helpers for all the tremendous hard work they have done over the past year - our club would not survive without you. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you all soon. The new year will bring us more news ahead of the upcoming season, including the 2023 senior fixtures which are expected in January. You can view the provisional divisions for the Saturday leagues here (but note these are subject to change). At this point, we would like to notify our members that our 2023 Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 30th January in the Clubhouse. More information, including the time and the nomination process will be shared in the New Year.
Bury Cricket Club is proud to announce that we have been once again re-accredited Clubmark status for the period of 2022-2025, ECB Clubmark is an accreditation scheme for cricket clubs which shows that a club is sustainable, well run and provides the right environment for its members. Clubmark accreditation also means your club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages, as well as assuring parents and carers that they are choosing the right option for their young people. As per the ECB "Having a network of safe, family friendly and well organised clubs is vital for the future of the game and achieving Clubmark status shows that you and your volunteers are at the forefront of this."
Please note the changes in red below to the dates for our Autumn indoor junior training sessions. These changes are due to the Sports Hall being used for exams in early November. Indoor Training Our Autumn indoor sessions will begin in November and run for 4 weeks: Wednesdays 23rd Nov - 15th Dec: 6-7pm at Derby High School for U13s & U15s Thursdays 24th Nov - 16th Dec: 6-7pm at Derby High School for beginners, U9s & U11s
As we move into the Autumn, we can now confirm details for both our junior presentation and indoor Autumn junior training. Junior Presentation Our annual presentation night will be held in the Sports Club on Friday 14th October. Exact timings will be confirmed to junior parents via the team managers closer to the date. Indoor Training Our Autumn indoor sessions will begin at the beginning of November and run for 6 weeks: Wednesdays 2nd Nov - 7th Dec: 6-7pm at Derby High School for U13s & U15s Thursdays 3rd Nov - 8th Dec: 6-7pm at Derby High School for beginners, U9s & U11s
It’s crunch time for the 1st XI on Saturday as what promises to be a dramatic decisive final day of the Premier 2 season. Following wins last week for us, Greenfield and Glodwick, all three teams currently in the relegation zone have a realistic chance of staying up. Flixton currently sit in 9th, ahead of Bury only on net run rate, on 38 points. Greenfield & Glodwick sit just 3 points behind on 35 each. It will be a trip to Glodwick for our 1st XI and the required task will be to better Flixton’s result – they take on Shaw who need points to secure promotion. Updates throughout the day will be provided on our twitter page @burycc – games get underway at 12pm. The 2nd XI will be in home action – the final game at Radcliffe Road in 2022 – against Hindley St Peters 1st XI. And on Sunday, we will be back at Glodwick as our 3rd XI look to end their season with a victory (1pm start). End of Season Social Following Saturday’s games, we will be having an end of season social back at the club. Food will be ordered in. We hope all involved throughout the season will attend.
The 2nd XI are in home action tomorrow as the season's end approaches. After last week's slip up at Unsworth, Bury are 3rd in Division 3W, but just 3 points off top with 3 games to play. Elton are the visitors and have been in some excellent form themselves since the reverse fixture - with 8 wins in the 10 games since the 127 run win for Bury in mid June. Note that games now begin at 12pm on Saturdays, during September. Meanwhile, the 1st XI realistically need to win each of their final three games to have a chance of staying up in Premier 2 - the first of which is away at Stand tomorrow - 12pm start. On Sunday, the 3rd XI are on the road at Uppermill, in a 1pm start. The 3s are also in need of late season points after a difficult run of results during August.
The 2nd XI returned to winning ways on Saturday at Stand to move back upto second position in Division 3W, with the visit of the league leaders Whalley Range to come next weekend. Batting first, opener Zafri Zafardeen (32) and number three Joe Mitchell (22) both got starts but a few cheap wickets saw the score to 102-5. Syed Hashmi, as he did last week, led the middle order attack, scoring at around a-run-a-ball, and he was supported by Sabat Ali Ahmed (19 from 17 balls) and later Mohammed Usman (18 from 23 balls). At the close of the innings, Hashmi had 69* from 73 balls, including 13 fours and 1 six, and Bury had 215-9. Amir Hayat took a wicket with the first legal delivery of the second innings, caught by ‘keeper Sajad Safi. His opening partner, Mohammed Usman, caused a number of problems on his way to taking 5 wickets (14-2-41-5). Stand reached 133 all out, securing 6 points and moving Bury back above Bolton Indians into second – 2 points behind next week’s opponents Whalley Range. (Scorecard) At Radcliffe Road, it was Heywood who won the toss and elected to bat on another scorching day. Mukhtar Nasir got the wicket of Martin Walters early on thanks to an excellent catch at gully from Ali Hassan. As in the reverse fixture, Joe Humphreys (33) and Bobby Cross came together for a lengthy 2nd wicket partnership, before Wes Hunt (43) offered Cross more support – Majid Talib eventually claiming both of their wickets. Dom Humphreys came in at 5 to score a quickfire 42* from 27 balls. A rare late spell from Gary Garner resulted in the wicket of Cross, in the final over for 93, with Heywood settling on 264-4. The reply started well with 56 on the board for the opening pair of Ammar Baig and Mukhtar Nasir, before the latter was caught by Walters for 28. The wicket of Baig (37) six overs later sparked a middle order collapse – in the 27th over, Bury were not far off the required rate but 7 down for 125. Garner struck a late 26* to push the score a little closer to Heywood’s – Bury all out in the 36th over for 173. (Scorecard) On Sunday, it was a tough day in the field for an inexperienced 3rd XI bowling attack. Dinesh Munjal (33) and Akash Patel got Ashton Ladysmith off to a flier with 75 for the first wicket in 11 overs – before Scott Worswick claimed the wicket of the former, caught by Charlotte Weston. Connor Kemp ably supported Patel, who continued to score with ease, with over 180 on the board after 27 overs with just 1 wicket taken. Then sparked a magical over from Josh Lawson – 3 wickets in 4 balls including both set batsmen – Patel the first of the three, falling lbw for 89. Adil Maqsood returned to the attack for a much tigher second spell, and got his reward with a wicket, before Worswick (8.5-1-44-3) and James Weston (4-0-23-3) cleaned up the tail to complete an excellent Bury comeback – 183-1 had become 236 all out. There were starts for Joe Mitchell (21) and Sam Leach (18) before a quick 4th wicket partnership between Sabat Ali Ahmed (24) and James Weston (24) worth 48 from 47 balls. At 108-3 after 21 overs, the home side had reason to be a little concerned, however the wickets of the two set men stalled any Bury momentum, and with prospects of getting anything out of the game slipping as each over went by, it was Ashton Ladysmith who took the 6 points with Bury all out for 143. (Scorecard)
Temperatures are forecast to reach 30 degrees again this weekend - so there's no better place to spend your Saturday than at Radcliffe Road, cheering on the 1st XI in another vital Premier 2 game against Heywood. As always, soft & alcoholic drinks, snacks and ice creams will be available to buy from behind the counter. We need your support in our fight to keep our Premier 2 status! Elsewhere, the 2nd XI are just down the road away to Stand, and on Sunday the 3rd XI are away to Ashton Ladysmith.
For the first time this season, all 3 of our senior sides recorded wins to bolster their league positions. The 1st XI visited Flixton, a ground where the most recent visits have yielded success, for their Premier 2 encounter. Mukhtar Nasir struck with the second ball of the day with overseas amateur Pienaar caught behind. Akmal Ghafoor and Sam Barlow came together for a 70 run partnership in just over 20 overs to build a strong Flixton foundation, however Bury’s overseas pair struck back with 3 wickets for no runs. D’Angelo Springer removed Barlow (35) and Oakley in the 22nd over, an over before Damario Goodman bowled Ghafoor (34). Rain interrupted play shortly after and an early tea was taken, with the game reduced for 45 overs. 3 more quick wickets fell after the restart, including that of familiar opponent Alton Beckford. Kamran Basharat took the game by the scruff of the neck, with a quick 38 from 30 balls to push Flixton towards a more competitive total. They were finally bowled out for 154, with Springer following his 4 wickets last week with 14-7-34-6. Ammar Baig (33) continued his recent good form to get Bury off to a good start, 47 for the first wicket before a mini collapse swung the momentum back to Flixton at 62-4, which became 111-7. Ali Hassan played a pivotal role at number 5, keeping the game moving with 39 from 28 balls. Once he departed, Usama Akram (28) took over, and his knock steadied the ship, along with Patrick Potts, who hit the winning runs with 3.4 overs and 2 wickets to spare to seal a vital 5 points. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI hosted neighbours Walshaw to Radcliffe Road and it was Bury who won the toss and elected to bat. Starts for the top 3, Mirza 33, Zafardeen 23 and Parr 16, laid the foundation at 83-1, but 3 lbws in 5 balls negated that early momentum. Joe Mitchell (24) and Sajad Safi (34) kept the score ticking along with 58 for the 5th wicket. Mohammed Majid blitzed a quick 21, helping Bury to 208 all out in the 43rd over. Majid and Farrukh Ali Kayani struck very early to remove the key batsmen of Allum and Openshaw. After his 5 wickets in the first innings, Danny Holland passed 50 at around a-run-a-ball but only 2 other batsmen made double figures. Kayani sealed his second 5 wicket haul of the season, with 5/47, with Walshaw bowled out for 137 to seal another bonus point victory for the 2s. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3s completed the league double over Monton. With the morning rain clearing for blue skies and warm temperatures, Bury batted first and Joe Mitchell made 23 before being bowled in the 11th over. Arshad Raza continued his good batting form with 35, his role mainly to accompany number three Patrick Potts, who made sure to maximise the punishment of each bad ball. Potts’ attack continued for most of the innings – passing 100 for the first time in a competitive game, and eyeing up 150 before the end of the innings. He eventually was caught on 137 from 91 balls – a knock which included 13 first and 8 sixes. Shoaib Khalid’s 23* and a big legside six from youngster Sabat Ali Ahmed in the final over helped the score push towards 250, with 247-5 from the allowed 40 overs. The reply began with a stutter for Monton, with Josh Bowen frustrating the batsmen and earning his reward. A 10 over spell with the new ball yielded 5 wickets – taking his season tally to 22. James Weston took the final 3 wickets (3/5) and the home side were 120 all out – a second bonus point win for the club of the weekend, and the third victory. (Scorecard)
In an extension to previous years, we began our week on Monday afternoon in sweltering conditions at St Asaph. A new ground for many of us, and unfamiliar conditions but thankfully St Asaph allowed us to bat first in 36 degree heat. The start of tour did not go to plan – 48-7 with a number of key batsmen and a couple of guests already taking shade. Gary Garner (22, before he was rather controversially given lbw by a teammate), James Weston (33) and Josh Bowen did manage to keep the home side out in the field for 39 of the 40 overs, with a slightly more respectable 104 all out on the scoreboard. With an understandable desire not to keep everybody out there in the sun any longer than necessary, St Asaph sent in their quality batsmen to chase the total down in 23 overs, for the loss of one wicket – a stumping for Nathan Ramsay to make his trip worthwhile. Bury 104ao (39.2) – Springer 8, Mitchell 8, N Ramsay^ 0, R Garner 0, Booysen 4, G Garner* 22, Goodman 19, D Morris 0, J Weston 33, J Bowen 4, P Morris 0* St Asaph 107/1 (22.4) – Goodman 7-2-19-1, Booysen 5-1-28-0, J Bowen 6-0-38-0, Springer 4.2-0-22-0 On Tuesday, it was a more familiar trip to Bangor with a travelling party of 4 joining our week-long squad of 8 (current or semi-retired) players. With one of our travellers needing to leave early, we reluctantly decided to bowl first in again hot conditions, although a breeze made the innings slightly more bearable than Monday. Amir Hayat took the first wicket of the day, before the slow bowling pair of Damario Goodman and Josh Bowen got stuck into the middle order. Opener Beth Hughes passed 50 before being caught by Goodman off the returning Hayat for 59 – Bangor finishing their 40 overs on a slightly manufactured 145-6. Zain Khan looked at ease for his 24 opening the batting before mistiming one, before James Weston (45) and D’Angelo Springer put on a roughly run-a-ball 81 partnership for the second wicket. Whilst the former fell just short of a 50, dragging on a half-tracker on the final ball before drinks, the latter did pass the landmark for the first time in a Bury shirt, and the first of what turned out to be three in the week, finishing on 59* with Bury taking a comfortable 7 wicket win, before tucking into an ice cream with the clouds clearing leaving everyone exposed to the heat once more. Bangor 145-6 (40) – Z Khan 6-1-18-0, Hayat 8-0-36-2, J Bowen 8-1-16-1, Goodman 3-2-2-2, D Bowen 5-0-10-0, Mitchell 4-0-21-0, Morris 2-0-9-0, Springer 4-0-16-1 Bury 149-3 (30.2) – Z Khan 24, J Weston 45, Springer 59*, Safi^ 3, J Bowen 15*, DNB: Hayat, Mitchell, D Bowen, Morris, Goodman, Metcalfe* On Wednesday, it was just our touring party of 8 who made it to Llandudno for our T20 game, and so we were grateful for the 3 guests from the home side. Bowling first in fear of a batting collapse, it was the overseas pair of Goodman and Springer who bowled their 4 each straight through at the beginning of the innings, with just the one wicket for Springer between them. It was then down to strike bowler Dave Bowen to come into the attack and take two wickets, including the Llandudno overseas. Tom Thornton, one of Llandudno’s own in Bury colours for one night only, took a late wicket whilst Weston somehow struck three times at the other end, including a catch for keeper for the night Dom Morris. Llandudno finished their 20 overs on 109-7. With the bat, the top three of Thornton, Mitchell and Goodman all got a start (by T20 standards, anyway), but a majority of the scoring came from D’Angelo Springer – again passing 50 with 57* - Paul Morris unbeaten on 13* at the other end when the winning runs were hit with an over to spare. A special mention to Llandudno’s young spin bowler Carys, who at 12 years old has a huge future ahead of her, and caused Bury’s batsmen a number of problems. The touring party stayed late into the evening enjoying the facilities in the bar, and we can proudly report Bury were also the winners on the dartboard. Llandudno 109-7 (20) – Goodman 4-1-23-0, Springer 4-0-11-1, D Bowen 2-0-13-2, J Bowen 2-0-8-0, Gwyn (G) 2-0-39-0, Griffin (G) 2-0-17-0, Weston 2-0-4-3, Thornton (G) 2-0-11-1 Bury 113-4 (19) – Thornton (G) 13, Mitchell 7, Goodman 11, Springer 57*, D Bowen 4, Gwynne 2, P Morris 13*, DNB: D Morris*^, Griffin (G), J Bowen, Weston As usual, tour was concluded on Thursday at Colwyn Bay. We were bolstered by 6 day-trippers of 1st and 2nd team quality, but, batting first, started on the back foot at 33-3, with Colwyn Bay professional, who was playing his first game for the club after only arriving a couple of days prior to the game, Jagjit Singh causing problems with his pace. However, Springer and day-tripper Patrick Potts launched an attack with 122 runs scored for the 4th wicket in 18 overs and just under an hour. Springer, having passed a half century for the third time in the week, was caught for 72, and then Potts passed 50 before he also fell 5 minutes later – well caught at long on a ball after deep mid wicket dropped a much easier effort. Dom Morris and Damario Goodman then continued the scoring. Morris (53) launching three of his four sixes straight up onto the mound and Goodman (26) putting on a display of drives off the returning Singh. 40 overs were concluded at 267-7. The young opening Colwyn pair saw off the opening spells from Mohammed Majid and Sam Nolan-Massey, but first change Muhammed Bilal proved effective with 2 wickets. Goodman got the crucial wicket of the pro early on, and then took three more quickly, with Potts taking 2 with his out and out pace at the other end. The score was pushed on from 101-8 with some buffet-style bowling and field placing – 187 on the board when the final wicket fell. As with all of the games in the week, drinks were enjoyed at the end, as well as the routine game of snooker, before everyone made their journey home at the end of an excellent week. Bury 267-7 (40) – Hassan 12, Akram 4, Nolan-Massey 0, Springer 72, Potts 51, D Morris 53, Goodman 26, Bilal 14*, J Weston 2*, DNB: Mitchell, J Bowen Colwyn Bay 187ao (35.2) – Majid 5-1-13-0, Nolan-Massey 5-1-14-0, Bilal 5-1-22-2, J Bowen 6.2-1-33-1, Goodman 3-1-14-4, Potts 3-2-5-2, J Weston 3-0-33-1 A huge thank you to the four clubs who were very accommodating and generous, and to everyone who represented the club and were a credit to it. Tour will be back next year with details to be confirmed in the coming months, where we hope more people can join us! (Note: For a wittier tour commentary, visit @buryscores on Twitter)
The 2nd XI were in action away at Alexandra Park up against Friends United. After being asked to bowl first, Bury took regular early wickets with opening bowler Ali Hassan taking 3 within the first 10 overs. From 57-7, there was a counter attack of sorts, with an 8th wicket partnership of 33. Patrick Potts returned to the attack to round off the innings quickly, the final 3 wickets falling for 12 runs with Friends United all out for 102. With light rain falling throughout most of the game, it was Potts who was sent in to open the batting with Mumtaz Mirza in a bid to keep the run chase as short as possible. Mirza was caught for a run-a-ball 22 with the score already upto 51 in the 8th over, and Potts’ attack ended the game after 15 overs, finishing with 75* from 47 balls, including 12 fours and 2 sixes. A nine wicket win for Bury to seal six points, on a day where most other games in the division were affected by rain, stretching the lead at the top of Division 3W to 2 points. (Scorecard) Meanwhile at Radcliffe Road, Brooksbottom had won the toss and elected to bat first. Rain stopped play during the 6th over, after Mohammed Majid had taken two wickets to leave the score 21-2. The game was reduced to 38 overs per side, and Mukhtar Nasir strook immediately after the restart, with 2 wickets in the first full over after the delay, with the wickets of Michael Rawlins and Ash Gowers. However, from 25-4, Mohsan Iqbal and Dom Gowers put on 104 for the next wicket, with Iqbal doing most of the scoring at a strike rate that was around the 100 mark throughout the entire innings. He passed 100, eventually being one of four late victims of D’Angelo Springer (4/30). Despite only 3 batsmen making it to double figures, Brooksbottom made 205 all out in the 38th and final over. Ammar Baig kept Bury up with the required rate early on, with 54 from 59 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. However, wickets kept stalling the momentum of the run chase, and by the 26th over, Bury had slipped to 128-7. Gary Garner and Usama Akram (28*) kept chances alive, but when two more rain delays reduced the target and the overs, hands were eventually shaken with Brooksbottom coming out on top with Bury behind the DLS Par Score. (Scorecard) On Sunday, rain prevented any play for the 3rd XI in their scheduled league game away at Littleborough Lakeside.
Tour is now just a few days away, and with the forecast for it to be hot, hot, hot, it's a great time to be away by the seaside! A reminder of the fixtures are below: Monday 18th July - St Asaph Tuesday 19th July - Bangor Wednesday 20th July - Llandudno (evening T20) Thursday 21st July - Colwyn Bay All members and supporters of the club are welcomed to join us, whether to play or spectate. It will be our first trip in recent years to St Asaph, and we are of course looking forward to visiting the familiar grounds of Bangor (with a first opportunity for use to utilise the new pavillion & bar facilities), Llandudno (our first visit since 2018) and Colwyn Bay (always a highlight to be able to play on Glamorgan's out-ground). For those who are staying, we will once again be based in Llandudno, with a number of players and families staying for the full 3 nights. Players can still be accomodated in the team on each day, particularly on Wednesday, so please get in touch with James or Matt if you are able to play.
On Saturday, the 1st XI travel to Bradshaw looking to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to Shaw, at the venue of last year's thrilling final ball victory. Wickets are pitched at 12:30pm, as they are also at Radcliffe Road, where the 2nd XI return home to take on struggling Clifton. the 2nd XI are also looking to get back to winning ways after losing out in the top of the table clash last Saturday at Bolton Indians. On Sunday, the 3rd XI entertain Glodwick to Radcliffe Road for a 2pm start.
The U11s bounced back from last week’s defeat to move back to the top of the West Division 1 with 2 home wins in 3 days. On Monday, Bury batted first against Roe Green. Lucas Alford scored a quick 25 from 14 balls, with Sam Smith, Harry Wolstenholme, Hammad Ajmal and Fawad Ahmed all also reaching double figures in a net total of 274. Wickets weren’t easy to find but some tight bowling, and a key wicket for Sam Smith in the final over, saw Roe Green fall just short at 264. On Wednesday, another tight game against Heaton saw a similar outcome. Heaton scored 268, with 5 bowlers taking a wicket apiece. Henry Potts was the top scorer with 26 from 18 balls, and Lucas Alford again started the innings well in the first pair with 19. Despite a wicket with the final ball of the innings, Bury had still enough on the board to finish on 273 and secure a second win of the week. On Sunday, the U13s were also in home action, against Tottington St Johns, and it was the visitors who came away with an 8 wicket win. James McCormack retired on 30 in Bury’s 81/3, however Aadam Gorsi (4-1-7-2) was the only Bury player to take a wicket, with Totty getting over the line with 3 balls to spare. The U15s had a spare week, but they return to action on Monday away at Egerton. Junior Star Performer of the Week: Lucas Alford (U11s) for his 25 runs from 14 balls and 3 overs 0 for 6 (Monday) and 19 runs from 18 balls (Wednesday)
The 1st XI have another home game this weekend, as we move into the second half of the season. Shaw are the visitors, after the two sides played out a thrilling high scoring encounter on the opening day, where Shaw came out on top by 9 runs. Thanks to this week's Matchball Sponsor Mick Hilton. Wickets are pitched at 12:30pm. Meanwhile, there's a huge game for the 2nd XI away at league leaders Bolton Indians. There is just one point between the two sides at the top of the Division 3W table, and Bury came out on top by 60 runs in the reverse fixture.
Yesterday, a Bury XI travelled over to Mochdre CC for our annual game with the Rydal Dolphins. Usama Akram's 72 and Craig Belston's 28 helped the Bury side record 156 before being bowled out. In the second innings, Patrick Potts took 6/43, including a caught & bowled to take the final wicket when the Dolphins were just 4 away from victory. As always, an excellent day had by all and a first Bury win in the fixture in recent years. Thank you to the players who represented Bury on the day.
The U13s continued their strong recent form with a win over neighbours Walshaw on Sunday. Adam Smith & James McCormack both retired and Hasan Ali Ahmed (17) & Aadam Gorsi (21) both contributed significantly with the bat as Bury piled on 153-5. In reply, Walshaw managed 109-8, with Hasan Ali Ahmed the pick of the bowlers with his 3/7. Aadam Gorsi also took 2 wickets in his 2 overs. On Monday, the U15s took on Edenfield in a competitive encounter. James McCormack took 2/11 in 4 overs as Edenfield scored 135-5. Daniyal Tariq retired on 40 and a quick 24 from 18 balls from Muhammad Raza brought the scores closer, however Edenfield eventually held out for a 11 run victory. The U11s suffered a rare defeat to Edgworth on Wednesday. Batting first, there were 81 runs off the bat or extras for Bury, but the 9 wickets for Edgworth brought the net score down to 227. In the second innings, wickets were hard to find, with Edgworth finishing on 337. Junior Star Performer of the week: James McCormack for his 31 runs from 34 balls and 1 for 4 (U13s) and 2 for 11 (U15s)
It was 11 points from 12 for the 1st and 2nd XI on Saturday with a comprehensive win for the 1sts and a nail biting last ball victory for the 2s. At Radcliffe Road, Gary Garner's men were asked to bowl first against Glodwick. Mukhtar Nasir set the tone early with 2 wickets in the 3rd over of the innings. Mohammed Majid's tight opening 13 over spell also yielded a couple of wickets (2/24) . On a green wicket, it was a good day to be a seam bowler, and Sam Nolan-Massey made the most of it too, taking 3 middle order wickets - Glodwick struggling along at 83-8 after 32 overs. Ammar Baig came on and wrapped up the innings with the final 2 wickets in his first over - the visitors bowled out for 109 in 40 overs. It was Baig who led a comfortable run chase for Bury - supported by Jacob & Nathan Ramsay and Nasir - with 51* to his name, including 3 sixes. The game was over just 26 overs into the second innings, an 8 wicket win sealing a much needed 6 point victory - one that brought Bury out of the bottom 3 above Flixton, at the half way point of the season. (Scorecard) Over at Hindley St Peters, the 2nd XI were, as has become regular, batting first. However, the top and middle order struggled more than in recent weeks - the score 73-5 with 2 wickets falling either side of drinks, despite Mumtaz Mirza's early 23. Useful lower order runs came from Sajad Safi (18) and Aaron Davies (18*) as Bury made their way to 150 before being bowled out in the 42nd over. For much of the second innings, it was a lot of toil for little reward for the Bury bowlers, however the scoring rate was always under control. A 3rd wicket partnership worth 59 in 18 overs between Phil Moorfield and Paul Delargy put Hindley in the driver's seat. When Patrick Potts bowled Moorfield, 3 wickets down quickly became 5 with wickets soon after for Majid Talib and Muntaz Mirza. Mark Wood and Martin Storey looked to be seeing the home side to victory however, both into the 20s. With 4 overs to go, Hindley St Peters required 9 to win with 5 wickets remaining. Majid Talib and Usama Akram remarkably kept the next 3 overs to just 2 runs - the equation was 7 needed from the last over with 4 wickets still in hand. With 4 needed from 3, Talib turned the 4th ball into a dot with an lbw, before the key man Storey was ran out on the penultimate ball. A dot ball followed to seal an unlikely comeback victory for Bury, a 2 run win. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI were on the road at Daisy Hill for a first GMCL meeting between the two clubs. Bury elected to bat first and had laid the foundations at 85-3, thanks to Sam Leach's 37 and Joe Mitchell's 24. However the wicket of Leach sparked a dramatic collapse of 6-7 to leave Bury all out for just 91. Kieran Farrell caused most of the damage, with 7/17 in his 9 overs. Daisy Hill's opening pair made the decision to try and finish the game quickly, and did so successfully. A manic 14 overs saw the 92 knocked off without loss, an early finish and a day to put to the back of the mind for Bury. (Scorecard)
The 1st XI have an important game at home this weekend, with Glodwick the visitors. Both sides currently sit in the bottom 3, so a win for either side could prove crucial as we approach the midpoint of the season. Thanks to Barry Maden who is our matchball sponsor this week. Wickets are pitched at 12:30pm. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI travel to Hindley St Peters to take on their 1st XI in Division 3W. On Sunday, the 3rd XI are also on the road, as they travel to Daisy Hill to play their 2nd XI (2pm start).
The U15s recorded their first win of the season on Monday night with a 22 run victory over Egerton. Batting first, Bury lost just one wicket, finishing their overs on 124-1 with Sabat Ali Ahmed and Daniyal Tariq scoring a majority of the runs. Egerton started strongly but ultimately it was the wickets that Bury took that proved crucial, taking 8, and Egerton fell short on 102-8. On Sunday, there was also a win for the U13s, a 36 run victory over Friends Sporting Club. Hasan Ali Ahmed and Adam Smith both retired with the bat in Bury's 116-3, before Chris Jones was the pick of the bowlers with 2-6 - the visitors finishing on 80-6. Junior Star Performer of the Week: Hasan Ali Ahmed (U13s) for his 32 runs from 29 balls
Patrick Potts reached his first senior century, and Scott Worswick ended the game with a hattrick in a 3rd XI friendly on Sunday, after the 2nd XI added another bonus point victory to the tally on Saturday. The 1st XI were on the road at Glossop, where they won the toss and elected to bat. James Eyre’s excellent opening spell saw Bury struggling at 26-3. Opener Jacob Ramsay looked good for his 29 before he fell with the score at 60-4. Mukhtar Nasir (32) and Ammar Baig (36) steadied the ship and put Bury into a good position at 105-4 with around 16 overs remaining. However, the lower order couldn’t capitalise and Dominic Perrin took 5/44 from his 9 overs to bowl out Bury for 145. Damario Goodman got an early run out when David Wilde went wondering out of his crease, and D’Angelo Springer got the wicket of Matthew Sonczak in his first over. Chris Gill batted patiently and remained at the crease when a heavy rain shower halted play at 84-3 after 24.4 overs. 6 further overs were lost, after 1 over a-side was lost during the first innings, with a revised target of 134. Ultimately, Glossop cruised to that score, with Gill batting through with 46* - a 6 wicket DLS win for the home side with 10.1 overs remaining. (Scorecard) At Radcliffe Road, the 2nd XI also batted first against Swinton Moorside. The visitors started well with the ball, and had the wickets of each of the Bury top 4 within 19 overs at 52-4. Syed Hashmi and Patrick Potts came together for a 100 run stand, before Hashmi retired unwell. 3 quick wickets fell including that of Potts, but only after he had passed 50, and Hashmi returned to the crease to add to his total - eventually being bowled on 87 from 71 deliveries. Bury were all out in the 42nd over for 224. A 50 opening stand for Swinton Moorside breathed life into the encounter, but the first wicket brought 3 more quick ones - Farrukh Ali Kayani taking 3 of the 4. Some lower order starts threatened to make a game of it, but eventually Bury would take the 10 wickets just in time to take the winning bonus point - 3 wickets also for Mohammed Majid and Matt Metcalfe with the away side 162 all out. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI welcomed Tottington St Johns for a 40 over friendly. Another 50 opening stand came for Bury, the consistent Scott Worswick (31) with his captain Joe Mitchell (23). Number 3 Patrick Potts looked to be aggressive, and he put on an unbeaten stand of 114 from 76 balls for the 4th wicket with James Weston (31* from 28). Potts made it to 100 in the final over of the innings, finishing unbeaten on exactly a ton from 72 balls - Bury's overs ending on 219-3. A frantic first 10 of the Totty St Johns reply saw 6 wickets and over 60 runs - 3 wickets for Adil Maqsood, and 2 for Uzair Fraz. Josh Lawson and Talha Latif bowled well through the middle overs - Lawson finally getting his reward in his 8th over when Mitchell caught Awais Bacha. Scott Worswick finished the game in style - bowling the numbers 8 and 10, and with all fielders around the bat, the number 11 gloved the hatrick ball to Lawson at gully to seal the hatrick with the score at 143. (Scorecard)
The 2nd XI moved back upto second in Division 3W with a win over local rivals Elton, and the 3rd XI defeated league leaders Uppermill on Sunday, although there was a derby day defeat for the 1st XI. Batting first away at Elton, captain Fraser Parr (28) and Mumtaz Mirza got the 2nd XI off to a flying start – 76 on the board after 14 overs when Mirza was caught behind for 44. In total, four quick wickets fell before the 20th over, bringing together Zain Khan and Zafri Zafardeen (39). The pair put on a blistering partnership, both visibly full of confidence, worth 134 in 87 balls. Khan made it past 80 for the second time this season, but was caught at deep square leg to deny what would’ve been a deserved century for a fine 87 from 81 balls. With the score already nearing 250, Amir Hayat (21) and Farrukh Ali’s (14*) 9th wicket partnership worth 32 in 3.4 overs inflicted further pain on the Elton bowlers – Bury finishing their 45 overs on 297-9. Elton lost 2 early wickets but there was some counter attack, led by Ryan Kent (36 from 27 balls). However, Farrukh Ali’s superb 14 over spell yielded 5 wickets to leave the home side 8 down for 106. Despite that, there was still time for Nathan Hunter to score a quickfire 50, helped by a couple of dropped chances, to push Elton above 150, finishing on 170 all out. 6 points for the Radcliffe Road men, which sees them go upto 2nd in the standings, just one point behind new leaders Bolton Indians. (Scorecard) Over at Radcliffe Road, it was Stand who came away with a convincing victory in overcast conditions. Overseas Amateur Dylan Faram (61) and Chris Williams (44) did most of the damage in their 87-run 3rd wicket partnership. However, Bury did fight back with the ball, Damario Goodman taking his total for the season to 22 with 4/55 as Stand ended their overs on 194-9. Williams’ discipline proved too much for the Bury top order, he took 5-38, with Faram also in the wickets with 4-23. Gary Garner’s 21* added a touch more respect to the scoreline – Bury all out for 91. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI produced a fine all-round performance to defeat league leaders Uppermill 2nd XI. The visitors came out of the blocks flying, going at over 8 an over for the first 5 with the two leading run scorers in the division, Tom Potts and Jake Hill, at the crease. Charlotte Weston bowled Hill for 21 to stall the momentum, before Josh Bowen struck with his 3rd ball to remove Potts for 25. It was Bowen who then ripped through the middle order, with the Uppermill batsmen struggling to adapt. He had 5 wickets before the 20 over mark, at which point Scott Worswick struck with wickets in back-to-back deliveries in his opening over. Bowen (6/45) finished the innings with Will Clynes (37) well caught by captain Joe Mitchell – Uppermill all out for 130. Mitchell (43) and Worswick (21) then got off to a flier, punishing some shorter pitched and straighter bowling, and put on 68 for the opening stand to relieve any pressure on the middle order. Sam Leach (30*) and Sajad Safi almost saw the game home – Bury eventual winners with 7.4 overs remaining by 6 wickets. (Scorecard)
This Friday is our final T20 group game as we welcome former champions Prestwich Heat to Radcliffe Road on what promises to be an excellent night at the club, with plenty going on. The forecast is for a scorching Friday afternoon and evening, and it will not only be the action on the field that you can enjoy. There will be music throughout the game (T20 blast-style), and food, including a selection of pies, will be served behind the counter, as well as our usual soft & alcoholic beverages, snacks and ice creams. A reminder that the counter operates cash only. For our Juniors, there is also lots going on, with our All Stars session 5-6pm before the T20 action begins at 6pm. Between 6-8pm, there will also be a training session for our U13s and U15s in the nets, and all of our juniors and parents are welcome and encouraged to come and enjoy the evening! In terms of the T20 action itself, the game carries huge significance in Pool 2. A win for Prestwich will guarentee themselves a place in the Quarter Finals going into their final group game with the Heywood Monkeys next week, whilst if Bury can replicate their victory in the reverse fixture in their final game, that will see them overtake Prestwich and keep Quarter Final hopes alive. The top team in each group will progress, along with the two best second placed teams.
The Bury Bullsharks won a thrilling game against the Heywood Monkeys, that went down to the last ball, in the sun in front of a busy Radcliffe Road crowd on Friday night to stay alive in the GMCL20 group stage. Heywood enjoyed a good start with Bury at 52-4 after 10 overs of the first innings. However, a merciless 2 over attack from Mukhtar Nasir and Damario Goodman swung the momentum Bury’s way. Nasir took 28 from the 11th over, with 4 sixes and a boundary, before Goodman took 21 off the 12th to take the score past 100. Nasir fell in the next over for 46 from just 19 balls – the 5th wicket partnership worth 50 from 16 balls. A quick 22 from Jacob Ramsay, with his first appearance of the season after returning from injury, and Goodman’s 40 pushed Bury onwards, however late lower order wickets restricted Bury to 147 all out with 4 balls to spare. Heywood kept wickets in hand throughout their innings, with opener Tennyson Roach (49) and number 3 Martin Walters scoring a majority of the runs. However, the asking rate crept up towards the last 5 overs – at 102/2 it was 46 needed. When Ammar Baig had Walters caught by Nathan Ramsay in the penultimate over, the momentum was with the home side, and it would be 13 needed off the last. Mukhtar Nasir kept the scoring down, and going down to the last ball, 6 was required for victory. Humphreys could only play it down the ground to mid on for 1 run, meaning Bullsharks took the victory by 4 runs. Their fate is still out of their own hands, but the win keeps qualification hopes alive, with another victory needed in this week’s fixture with Prestwich to send it to the final game between Woodbank and Prestwich. (Scorecard) On Saturday, the 1st XI were well beaten by the league leaders Heaton at Lower Pools. Bury won the toss and chose to bowl. Damario Goodman was the pick of the bowlers with 4-79 in his 15 overs with Heaton posting 236-8. Aqib Zulfiqar’s quick 42 from 41 balls and D’Angelo Springer’s 24 got Bury off to a decent start, but top order and particularly middle order wickets fell quickly, leading to a score of 85-7 at drinks. Usama Akram (26) and Gary Garner (19) added some respect to the scoreline before being bowled out for 134. (Scorecard) Meanwhile the 2nd XI enjoyed what has become a regular occurrence of a healthy second wicket partnership to put them on the front foot when batting first, at home to Unsworth. Mumtaz Mirza passed 50 and he with Ghalib Sarosh (34) put on 95 for the second wicket. Mirza fell for 74 from 79 balls and, again in line with pattern in recent weeks, the middle and lower order struggled to add significant amounts to the scoreline. Aaron Davies’ 25 from 20 balls however pushed the score upto 195 all out with 29 balls of the innings remaining. The Bury bowling attack was too strong for Unsworth – there were 3 wickets apiece for Patrick Potts (3/22), Zarqash Ali (3/17) and Mumtaz Mirza (3/33) with Unsworth bowled out in the final over for 124 to seal a winning bonus point for Bury. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 2nd XI were in cup action in the 2nd XI Premier Cup Second Round against Royton. Usama Akram hit an early 24, before Sarosh improved on his Saturday effort with 53, including 12 fours. Patrick Potts’ 31 and Farrukh Ali’s 23* helped the score upto 200-8 from Bury’s 45 overs. A rain delay just before the second innings was due to began reduced the target to 178 in 35 overs. The scoring was kept under control in the first 20 overs or so, with Farrukh Ali’s spell of 7-1-22-1 the highlight, however talented young batsman Jack Fawcett was the mainstay for the visiting side. Ultimately he would lead his side home, reaching three figures as Royton came home as 8 wicket winners with 3 overs to spare. (Scorecard) Elsewhere, the 4th XI enjoyed a friendly away at Astley Bridge. (Scorecard)
The Bury Bullsharks will finally play their first home T20 game of the season tomorrow night, with the Heywood Monkeys the visitors. There are two group games remaining – with Prestwich Heat also making the trip to Radcliffe Road next week – and two wins are required for the Bullsharks to have a chance of progression to the Quarter Finals. On Saturday, the 1st XI are on the road, away to Premier 2 leaders Heaton, for the two teams’ first meeting in the GMCL. The 2nd XI are back at home, against Unsworth. Both games begin at 12:30pm. On Sunday, the 2nd XI will again be in action at Radcliffe Road, in the second round of the 2nd XI Premier Cup against Royton (1pm start). The 3rd XI/4th XI have an away friendly at Astley Bridge.
We have reached the point where teams move into performance divisions for each of our u11s, 13s and 15s. The U13s and U11s both had their final league games in the original regionalised groups earlier this week, and both had very convincing victories. On Sunday, the U13s defeated Brooksbottom by 102 runs. Adam Smith, Hasan Ali Ahmed and Muhammad Aon all retired with 30 runs in Bury's 142-3. In the second innings, there were two wickets apiece for Chris Jones, Ali Mohammad and James McCormack with Brooksbottom restricted to 40 all out. Our U13s finished 4th in the initial regional group and will begin their games in West Division 2 on Sunday, at home to Winton. The U11s were winners by a similar margin on Wednesday, beating Tottington St Johns by 98 runs. 8 wickets were taken, shared amongst 6 bowlers, with the away side ending on 185, before Harry Wolstenholme top scored with 27 runs in Bury's 283. That means our U11s have topped the regional group, remaining unbeaten, and will start their fixtures in West Division 1 next week. The U15s played a friendly against Roe Green on Monday with a week off in the new performance league fixtures. Tayab Shahbaz top scored with a 29 in a 50 run defeat. They return to league action next Monday at home to Heywood. Junior Star Performer of the week: Harry Wolstenholme (U11s) for his 27 runs from 18 balls
The 1st XI picked up a key 5 point haul on Saturday to get their season heading back in the right direction. The visiting side elected to bat first, and the top three did their jobs at 87-2, until Damario Goodman changed the game in the 23rd over. He had Joseph Aston stumped by Nathan Ramsay on 32, before he trapped sub professional Ashar Zaidi lbw for a second ball duck, and for the second time in the over, he was wheeling away in celebration. Goodman (4/40) and Sam Nolan-Massey formed a formidable partnership to make sure those two wickets spiralled into a middle order collapse, the latter taking 3/15 from his 8 over spell, with Greenfield slipping to 101-8. Number 5 Liam Parfitt added valuable runs with the numbers 10 and 11 – Greenfield all out for 146 in the 44th over with D’Angelo Springer taking the final 2 wickets. With a relatively low target for Bury to chase, the loss of a few wickets did not cause major problems early on in the Bury reply. Almost all of the top order contributed with starts, although Greenfield were brought well into the game with a fall from 93-4 to 93-6 in the 30th over. Ali Hassan (33) and Damario Goodman put together 52 for the 7th wicket partnership to give Bury the game, with Hassan falling just before the winning runs were hit by Goodman (17*) to round off an excellent day for him and a crucial 5 points for the team. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI were in action over at Whalley Range, in what started the day as a game between the top two teams in Division 3W. Bury batted first and new captain Fraser Parr set the tone early with 53, a majority of which coming in a partnership worth 80 with Syed Hashmi (26). The middle and lower order added little to the score, with the exception of Patrick Potts, who made Whalley Range pay for dropping him early, with his 42 from 52 balls pushing the Bury total to 185 all out with 9 balls to spare – a recovery from 149-8. Potts and Majid Talib took an early wicket each in the second innings, and a later good catch in the slips from captain Parr got rid of the dangerous looking Waseem Ahmad for 18. Opener Azfar Zeeshan (67) and wicketkeeper Dom Golics (45) combined for the 5th wicket and put the pressure onto the Bury bowlers and fielders. Both batsmen fell just before the finish line but the numbers 7 and 8 took the home side home, after 43.3 overs – the exact same Bury batted in the first innings – to move to the top of the table. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI took on Royton, and the weather, in the first round of the Sunday Premier Cup. Batting first, Scott Worswick (37) and James Weston (19) put on 60 for the opening wicket, before Sam Leach’s excellent knock of 49* from 44 balls, supported by Sajad Safi (19), led Bury to a very respectable 152-4 in damp conditions against a strong bowling attack. Charlotte Weston bowled Roan Mallinson in the second over of the reply, before a ruthless display of batting from Jack Fawcett (45*) and Billy Orme (32) pushed Royton well on their way to victory. A couple of rain delays threatened to take the game to a bowl out, but the early high scoring meant Royton had reached the new DLS target upon the second resumption and it is they who progress into the second round. (Scorecard)
Each of our five senior sides are in action over the extended Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. Yesterday, the 4th XI took on Haslingden at Radcliffe Road in a friendly to kick off a busy 4-day weekend. Today (Friday), the Bullsharks continue their campaign following their win at Prestwich last week, away at the Woodbank Wildboyz. The game begins at 6pm. On Saturday, the 1st XI, after three away games on the bounce, are back at home as they welcome Greenfield. A win for Bury could take them above their opponents in the table. A big thank you to our Matchball Sponsor this week - Barry Horton. There's a big game for the second XI, with our league leaders making the trip to 2nd placed Whalley Range with just one point between the two teams. And on Sunday, the 3rd XI begin their cup campaign in the Sunday Premier Cup with a home tie against Sunday Premier Division side Royton.
Just the two games took place this week, with the rain wiping out any junior action on Monday, and it was two victories for our sides. The Under 13s came away from Woodbank on Sunday with a 20 run victory. Ali Abbas and James McCormack both passed 30 as Bury scored 123-5 from their 20 overs – their highest total of the year so far. Ali Abbas again starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets with Woodbank bowled out for 103 in the final over. On Wednesday, the U11s added another win to their tally in their top-of-the-table clash with Middleton. Lucas Alford top scored with 17 with Bury being restricted to a net of 249 from their 16 overs. Six bowlers took wickets, with Bury’s tight bowling and fielding keeping Middleton down to 227 – that was their first league loss of the season. Junior Star Performer of the Week: Ali Abbas for his 34 runs and 3 wickets for 9 runs (U13s)
Champions League Social & 2021 Awards Thank you to everyone who attended last Saturday's senior social night, where we also presented the 2021 end of season awards. The Award Winners were: 1st XI Batting Award: Dom Morris 543 runs @ 30.17 1st XI Bowling Award: Ahmed Matloob 47 wickets @ 12.50 2nd XI Batting Award: Nathan Ramsay 368 runs @ 40.89 2nd XI Bowling Award: Matt Metcalfe 32 wickets @ 9.50 3rd XI Batting Award: Sajad Safi 206 runs @ 22.89 3rd XI Bowling Award: Josh Bowen 20 wickets @ 23.05 Senior wicketkeeping Award: Nathan Ramsay 15 victims Senior Catching Award: Patrick Potts 11 catches Duck Cup: Mukhtar Nasir Gallery:
Each of our senior sides added to their league tallies this weekend, with the 2nd XI returning to winning ways and the 1st XI and 3rd XIs picking up losing bonus points. The 1st XI were in action away at Heywood, who had started the season strongly, with captain and professional Martin Walters and Bobby Cross leading the way with almost 600 runs between them in the opening 5 games. However, it took just one delivery for Mohammed Majid to get the wicket of Walters, he was caught by the captain Garner at slip with the first ball of the afternoon. Cross and Joe Humphreys led the recovery, with a second wicket partnership of 118 before Damario Goodman had Cross trapped lbw for 55. Humphreys was caught on 62 a few overs later, and Heywood’s momentum stalled, mainly due to regular wickets falling, with Bury restricting the home side to 195-8 from their 50 overs. Sam Nolan-Massey and Damario Goodman took 2 wickets apiece. None of Bury’s opening 5 partnerships could pass 24 as they found themselves at 84-5 a couple of overs after drinks. Dom Morris remained at the crease, and was supported by Damario Goodman (17) until he was caught by an outstanding catch by Sean Burill. Bury then found themselves nine down for 155. Morris (68*) and Garner (10*) pushed the score upto 182/9 by the end of the innings to take home a losing bonus point. (Scorecard) At Radcliffe Road, the 2nd XI took on Stand for the second time in 7 days after knocking them out of the 2nd XI Premier Cup last Sunday. Bury batted first and it was Zafri Zafardeen (73) and Ghalib Sarosh (75) who shone with a 144 second wicket partnership, taking the score to 150-2 after 30 overs. A middle order collapse followed, before some late hitting from Ali Ammar (34 from 23 balls) pushed the Bury total above 200 and eventually to 224 all out in the 45th and final over. Luke Solis took 7 wickets for the visitors in his 14 overs. Stand’s response never quite had the momentum needed to threaten a chase, slipping to 121-7, with 3 wickets each for Matt Metcalfe and Farrukh Ali. Stuart Catterall’s late counter attack brought Stand past the 75% mark in the final over, with his 52* from 43, as the visitors ended their innings on 173-7. (Scorecard) On Sunday, Deane & Derby were the visitors to Bury for a 3rd XI league game. The visitors were looking very strong with the bat, with a second wicket partnership of 147 between Mohammed Rahman Ali and Said Mahi (45). However, after the wicket of Ali for 104, Bury dragged themselves back into the game, restricting Deane & Derby to 194-7 from their 40 overs, having been 163-1 with 8 overs to go. However, for the second league game in a row, Bury were 3 down very quickly at 9-3 after 5 overs. The middle order had more success, Sajad Safi top scoring with 41, however after he fell Bury were soon 99-7 with 11 overs to go and chances of victory looking to have passed by. Shoaib Khalid (26), on debut, and Aaron Davies put on 58 for the 8th wicket in 10 overs – Davies with an unbeaten 33 from 28 balls. That partnership pushed Bury past the 75% mark, finishing their 40 overs on 157-8 to take one point from the game. (Scorecard)
This Saturday we will be holding our first senior social evening of the season. After our 1st and 2nd XI games have finished, we will be showing the Champions League final (Liverpool v Real Madrid) live at the club, and will be ordering food in from Piri Piri Grillo. We will also be handing out last season’s senior awards. The football gets underway at 8pm and we will be ordering the food as soon as everyone arrives. This is open to all players, supporters and family members so please extend this invite to others. In particular, we are hoping all 1st and 2nd team players who are playing on Saturday will be able to stay behind to enjoy an enjoyable evening. This weekend's action This Saturday, the 1st XI are again on the road, with a short trip to The Crimble to take on Heywood in Premier 2. Heywood have made a strong start to the season with 4 wins from 5. The 2nd XI have a home league game with Stand, after the two sides met in the cup last Sunday. Both games begin at 12:30pm. On Sunday, the 3rd XI return to action with a home league game against Deane & Derby - 2pm start.
It's been another very busy week for our 4 junior teams, with the weather not impacting any of this week's games. The U9s played 2 fixtures at Woodbank on Monday, with competitive games enjoyed against Tottington St Johns and Brooksbottom. The U11s extended their 100% record in the league to a fourth game with a 50 run victory at Woodbank. 5 batsmen made it to double figures with just 2 wickets lost in Bury's net score of 282, before 6 wickets for the bowlers helped restrict Woodbank to 232. The U13s had a double header this week, starting with a narrow defeat to Walshaw in the league on Sunday, before Edgworth were the winners at Radcliffe Road in the LCB KO qualifiers on Wednesday. Muhammad Aon retired on 35 in the latter, as well as taking 2 of the 3 wickets in one over. Finally, the U15s fell just short of their target despite a late fightback in their game at home to Middleton. The visitors scored 139-3 from their 20 overs. Adam Smith's quick retirement (40* from 29 balls) pushed Bury's score quickly upwards in the second half of the innings, but ultimately they fell 18 short. Junior Star Performer of the Week: Muhammad Aon (U13s) for his 35* runs and 2 wickets v Edgworth
The 1st XI endured a tough fifth weekend of the season with two defeats, whilst the 2nd XI progressed in the 2nd XI Premier Cup with a 10 wicket win on Sunday. On Saturday, the 1st XI, with four changes made from last week’s game, were on the road at Flowery Field. The home side, batting first, were 82-5 before drinks, with wickets for both opening and both first-change bowlers. However, from there the tide turned, with former IPL cricketer, Shreevats Goswami, and former Bury man, Brad Edge, putting on 138 for the 6th wicket in 22 overs. Edge was finally removed for 59, before Goswami reached his ton, despite having a few lives. Flowery Field finished their 50 overs on 264/9. Bury lost early wickets, and never recovered. Mike Finan then took the game into his own hands in the 15th over – 4 wickets in 4 balls, including the last 3 all bowled left Bury at 49-8 – eventually being bowled out for 77 inside 20 overs. (Scorecard) On Sunday, another disappointing batting performance followed in the 1st Round of the Derek Kay Cup at Monton. The top and middle order were all back in the shed inside 14 overs, batting first, at 40-7. Damario Goodman (33) led the recovery, supported by Ali Hassan, Patrick Potts and Mohammed Majid, as Bury pushed upto a more respectable 120 all out. Sam Nolan-Massey got both Monton openers early doors, but the third wicket partnership between Josh Lenihan and professional Dushan Vimukthi of 45 put Monton in charge. Tight bowling and regular wickets kept Bury’s faint hopes alive, but ultimately Monton would go on to take a 4 wicket win and progress to round 2. (Scorecard). For the 2nd XI, it was a home league game on Saturday against Edgworth. The visitors batted first and posted 195-7 from 45 overs – Majid Talib took 3/48 from his allocated 14 overs, with two wickets apiece for Farrukh Ali and Amir Hayat. With a number of batsmen missing, Bury struggled to put together a partnership after the opening stand of 42 between Zafri Zafardeen and Fraser Parr – finishing 122 all out. (Scorecard) On Sunday, it was a much more routine day at the office with a 10 wicket win at home to a Stand side, who were also missing a number of players, in the 1st Round of the 2nd XI Cup. Each of Bury’s bowlers came out with very economical figures and wickets – Majid Talib (8-4-12-3), Matt Metcalfe (9-6-5-1), Amir Hayat (6-0-9-2) and Muhammad Bilal (4.5-2-5-4) – with Stand bowled out for 34 in 27.5 overs. Usama Akram (15*) and Scott Worswick (15*) saw Bury home in 7 overs to seal a 10 wicket win. (Scorecard)
It's been a successful week for our junior sides with wins for both the U13s and U11s. On Sunday morning, the U13s bowled out Tottington St Johns for 37 on their way to a 8 wicket victory. The wickets were shared around, with 6 bowlers picking up at least one wicket- and all bowlers conceded less than 8 runs across their 2 overs. On Monday, the U15s' game at Woodbank was rained off, whilst the U9s were in action at Elton. And on Wednesday, the U11s were victorious over Walshaw by 34 runs. Sam Smith top scored with 17 as Bury scored 61 runs (net of 261) in their 16 overs. With the ball, Bury took 7 wickets to restrict Walshaw to 227 - Henry Potts and Sam Smith both took 2 wickets each. This week, the U13s go to Walshaw on Sunday morning, the U15s host Middleton and the U9s have two games at Woodbank on Monday, and the U11s are at Woodbank on Wednesday, whilst the U13s are in LCB KO qualifying action at home. Junior Star Performer of the week: Sam Smith (U11s) for his 17 runs from 13 balls and 2 wickets
A jam-packed weekend of cricket begins on Friday evening - we will for the second time attempt to host the Woodbank Wildboyz in the T20 competition - 6pm start. If you can't make it to the game, then tune into Roch Valley Radio Sport, who will be covering the game. On Saturday, the 1st XI are in league action away to Flowery Field whilst the 2nd XI are at home to Edgworth (both 12:30pm starts). Both teams are back in action on Sunday as the cup competitions get underway. The 1st XI are away at Monton in the Derek Kay Cup, and the 2nd XI are at home to Stand (both 1pm starts).
It was another winning weekend for our 2nd XI, although they were pushed well by Walshaw, whilst the 3rd XI were also winners in week 4 of the 2022 season. Ghalib Sarosh (23) and Usama Akram (39) put Bury on the front foot early with the bat in the first innings, with 63 for the first wicket partnership before both fell in quick succession. Peter Coffey (4/59) took a number of top order scalps, however it was Ali Hassan, continuing his fine early season form, and Sohale Khan who led Bury above 200 towards the latter part of the innings. Hassan fell lbw for 43 from 40 deliveries, whilst Khan scored 49 before he was the final wicket to fall with 13 balls of the innings remaining. Matthew Davis took all of the final 5 wickets for the home side. With the bat, Walshaw showed themselves to be the most capable Bury’s bowling attack have dealt with this season, and were led by captain Sam Openshaw’s 43. His wicket fell as the first of two-in-two balls for Majid Talib, at which point the hosts were 129-7. The lower order threatened a fightback, however it was Talib (4/57) who took the final wicket, with Walshaw all out for 179. There were 2 wickets apiece for the other three bowlers – Ali Hassan, Mohammed Majid and Matt Metcalfe. (Scorecard) At home, the 1st XI suffered a second defeat in as many weeks at home to Flixton. With Bury batting first, the top three all made starts, the largest being Aneeq Hassan’s 32 before he was caught behind for 32. The middle and lower order had a bad day at the office, out of them it was only Mukhtar Nasir, who batted through the remainder of the innings for his 55, who made it to double figures. When Nasir was caught in the 45th over, Bury were all out for 130. The visitors saw out short opening spells for four of Bury’s bowlers, with 40 on the board before the first wicket fell after 11 overs. From 71-3, sub pro, and former Bury man, Mohammed Jamal, together with Rick Oakley, brought Flixton comfortably home to take the full 6 points – a 7 wicket win with 18.1 overs remaining. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI were in action away at Austerlands. An excellent opening spell from the Austerlands pair of Thomas Moule and Joe Melling, mixed with some difficult batting conditions, left Bury in an early spot of bother at 9-3 after 10 overs, which became 21-4. Youngster Sabat Ali Ahmed, with stand-in captain James Weston, soaked up some more overs of pressure, allowing the lower order to bat with a little more freedom. Amir Hayat took full advantage, a quickfire 44 from 40 balls included 5 fours and 2 sixes, with Bury pushing upto 111 before being bowled out in the 35th over. Uzair Fraz then took full advantage of the bowler-friendly conditions and wicket, taking 3 early wickets in a key opening spell. At the other end, Hayat bowled straight through his 10 overs cheaply (1-28), with Mo Shah replacing Fraz and immediately getting into the wickets himself. Austerlands struggled to put together a strong partnership, and whilst Hayat and then Scott Worswick kept it tight at one end, it was all out attack at the other, with Shah taking 4/16 from his four overs – his best senior figures. Worswick (1/6) took the final wicket, with Austerlands bowled out for 84 to complete a second victory of the season for Bury’s 3rd XI. (Scorecard)
The Under 13s recorded their first win of the season with an excellent result away at Elton on Sunday morning. Adam Smith retired with 32* and James McCormack scored 22 with the bat, before an excellent all-round bowling display from the team saw Elton A bowled out for 49. Grace Iles took 3 wickets for 12 runs in her 2 overs, and there was 2 wickets apiece for Aadam Gorsi and Mohammed Abbas. Monday was a busy evening of junior action with 3 of our sides in action. The Under 9s enjoyed a trip to Ramsbottom, whilst the U11s took on Monton in the LCB Knockout Qualifiers. Monton came away with a 37 run victory. And the U15s were in league action, going down to defeat at Heywood despite Talha Latif’s 37 and Sabat Ali Ahmed’s 25. Last Friday, our U13s and U15s enjoyed a bonus training session with our Head Coach Adnan Mutfi despite the poor weather. A number of indoor drills were enjoyed, as well as a couple of outdoor drills with the rain not stopping our juniors from working hard on their game! Junior Star Performer of the Week: Adam Smith (U13) for his 32* runs from 42 balls, 1 run out and 1 stumping
The 1st XI are back in action at home this Saturday, with 2017 and 2018 GMCL Premier League champions Flixton the visitors. Both teams have made very similar starts to the season, both losing away from home in week 1 and 3 but winning at home in week 2. Wickets are pitched at 12:30pm. The 2nd XI make the short journey to Walshaw to take on their 2nd XI. Bury sit top of Division 3W with 3 wins from 3, whilst Walshaw suffered their first league defeat of the season last weekend at Edgworth. On Sunday, the 3rd XI are also away from home, as they travel to Oldham to take on Austerlands. Bury have one win from three, whilst Austerlands have won the two games they have played. The game gets underway at 2pm.
Mohammed Majid's superb bowling spell, which included 8 wickets, led the 2nd XI to a 3rd victory on the trot at the start of the 2022 season, as they set the early pace in Division 3W. Batting first, Bury lost opener Zain Khan early, before Zafri Zafardeen and Ghalib Sarosh (30) put on 71 for the second wicket. The wicket of the latter was followed by two more quickly, including that of Zafardeen, but only after he had scored 56. Ali Hassan picked up where he left off from last week and pushed the scoreboard up with his 33 from 35 balls. Zarqash Ali finished the innings in style with his 13* from 4 balls, as Bury finished on 189-8. The Friends United reply lasted only 17 overs with Mohammed Majid wripping through the visitor’s batting order. When opener Saleem Butt was bowled at the end of the 9th over for 24, Majid already had 5 with the score at 28-6, with each of the batsman batting at number two to six all out for ducks. Friends United finished all out on 48, with Majid finishing on 8/20 – Ali Hassan with the other 2 wickets with 2/27. (Scorecard) Over at Brooksbottom, the 1st XI went down to defeat with a disappointing batting performance. The home side were in early trouble with the bat, slipping to 22-3 in the 11th over. Ash Gowers and Luke Sumner put together a patient fourth wicket partnership worth 52 in 20 overs before Gowers (33) was caught by Nathan Ramsay off the bowling of Damario Goodman. Mohsan Iqbal upped the scoring rate with his 42 from 50 balls before he was bowled by Mukhtar Nasir. Sumner batted throughout most of the innings and passed 50 and he was one of four batsmen to fall quickly at the end of the innings – Sam Nolan-Massey taking 3 wickets in the final over to finish with 6/44. Bury lost both of their openers in consecutive balls at 2-2 before Aneeq Hassan was bowled by Iqbal for 16. D’Angelo Springer scored 33 on his Bury debut before he was ran out, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. From 102-8, Gary Garner and Damario Goodman (28*) occupied the crease for 10 overs until Garner was bowled – the final wicket fell soon after with Bury 140 all out – falling to a 38 run defeat. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI took on Ashton Ladysmith 2nd XI at Radcliffe Road. 14 year old Sabat Ali Ahmed made his senior debut for the club. Stand in captain Josh Bowen elected to bowl and was the pick of the bowlers with 3/48 from his 10 overs. Amir Hayat took 2/39 on his Bury debut, but Craig Dalton’s 69 led the visiting side to 200/8 from their 40 overs. Scott Worswick and James Weston put on 57 for the opening wicket inside 12 overs with Bury in the game at that point. When the second wicket fell, that of Sajad Safi, the wickets began to tumble. Aaron Davies was the only batsman below three to reach double figures, with his entertaining 15 coming from just 7 balls. Worswick was the standout performer – his superb 61 coming from 81 balls included 10 fours – his maiden senior half century. Bury were eventually bowled out for 128 with the visitors taking home the points. (Scorecard)
Each of our junior teams have now played at least one game in their 2022 league seasons. The U11s have got off to a superb start with two heavy victories against Prestwich and Elton. Across the two games played, they have scored 171 runs for the loss of only 5 wickets, whilst they have taken 23 wickets with both opponents finishing on lower than the 200 runs they start on. 7 players have scored double figures in at least one game, and all 7 outfield players have taken at least 1 wicket. The U13s have also played their opening two games, and fell short despite posting competitive totals with the bat. Three players have already reached individual scores of 25+, with plenty of positives to take forward. The U15s have played just the one game, with this week's game being postponed to play at a later date due to Eid. Stand came away from that game victorious in a game cut short by fading light. Junior Star Performer of the week: Mohammed Ayaan (U11) for his bowling performance of 3 overs, 2 maidens, 5 runs, 5 wickets
We have a triple header of cricketing action over the weekend at Radcliffe Road. On Friday evening, the Bury Bullsharks begin their T20 campaign at Radcliffe Road with the Woodbank Wildboyz the visitors - fingers crossed the weather stays dry! On Saturday, the 2nd XI are back in action at home against Friends United 1st XI as we bid for a third win in a row to start the season. The 1st XI are on the road at Brooksbottom. Both games start at 12:30pm. Our second overseas amateur D'Angelo Springer will make his Bury debut. On Sunday, the 3rd XI welcome Ashton Ladysmith 2nd XI for a 2pm start. We look forward to seeing you down to support one of our sides!
Impressive knocks from Aneeq Hassan and Ali Hassan led the 1st and 2nd XIs to successful run chases respectively on Saturday. At Radcliffe Road, Bradshaw elected to bat first and raced out of the blocks until professional Sandun Weekakkody was dismissed for 25 through a catch of the season contender from Mukhtar Nasir - tracking back from mid on towards cow corner, taking a two-handed diving catch facing the boundary - the score 62-2 after 10 overs. Bradshaw mostly kept their momentum throughout the innings with talented opener Cian Dickinson being the mainstay. With 10 overs to go, the visitors were 199-5 and looking good to push towards 260+. However the key wicket of Dickinson for 97 - Ammar Baig's second wicket of the day in a 3 over spell - allowed Bury to claw the innings back. Bradshaw eventually were restricted to 246 all out with 1 ball to spare of their innings. Sam Nolan-Massey finished with 3/64, and as well as Baig, there was two wickets apiece for Mukhtar Nasir and Damario Goodman. It was Baig and Aqib Zulfiqar who got the Bury run chase off to a good start - 79 runs on the board before the former was caught for 41 at the end of the 20th over. Zulfiqar passed 50 for the first time in a Bury shirt before he was given lbw despite a big stride forward. Aneeq Hassan then took over the scoring and, particularly after he passed 50, looked a class act, taking the game to the Bradshaw bowlers. When the third wicket fell, Bury required 64 from 51 deliveries. Hassan brought down the scoring rate with several lusty blows, and was cruelly denied a ton when he was caught on the boundary in the 49th over on 99 when only 3 more runs were required. A couple of dot balls led to a nervy finish, before Goodman drove the winning runs on the 4th delivery of the final over. Bury chasing 247 just one week after narrowly missing out on chasing 263. (Scorecard) Over at Clifton, the 2nd XI were also invited to bowl first. Opening bowlers Lee Halliwell and Ali Hassan kept the scoring rate down early on. Patrick Potts had a productive spell, taking 3 top & middle order wickets, and with the ever-reliable captain Matt Metcalfe at the other end, Bury soon found themselves on the front foot with the home side 113-7. Sam Winstanley and Chris Higgs led the fightback in the final 15 overs - their 8th wicket partnership worth 47 in 53 balls. Clifton recovered to 185-9 at the end of their 45 overs. The Bury top 3 all reached double figures but didn't pass 20, and when they found themselves at 97-4 after 26 overs, the game was firmly in the balance. However, an excellent display from Ali Hassan, well supported by Lee Halliwell, swung the game firmly into Bury's favour. Hassan's unbeaten 95 from 92 balls included 10 fours and 3 sixes, with Halliwell finishing 21* at the other end and Bury ended up comfortable winners in the 39th over with a 6 wicket victory to make it two wins from two. (Scorecard). Bury CC 3rd XI 131/10 – Roe Green CC 3rd XI 134-6 Bury CC’s 3rd XI travelled to Roe Green for their first away game of the 2022 season in the Sunday Competition Division 1. They were hoping to build on an opening week 5 wicket win at home against another Salford team, Monton. Runs were much harder to find this week as both sets of bowlers made it hard to score and this was helped by some great work in the field. The visitors were asked to bat and returning captain Joe Mitchell and Scott Worswick opened up with Worswick looking to attack the rare bad ball and Mitchell being a little more circumspect. When Worswick (16) and Sam Leach went in quick succession, bowled by Surya, keeper Sajid Safi came to the crease. Safi’s usual buccaneering style was kept in check by Prill and Surya and it was Prill who bowled him as he tried to up the run rate. James Weston joined Mitchell (27) with the score on 65-3 and when the captain was bowled by Prill they had reached 93-4. Weston (27) then started to move the scoring rate upwards and after losing a couple of cheap wickets he was joined by sister Charlotte and they added over twenty runs. Josh Bowen was well caught by O’Neill running backwards as the number 10 attempted to clear the field and the Bury innings ended on the final ball at 131 all out. Surya (2-11) and Prill (3-23) were the pick of the home bowlers with Shepherd chipping in with 2 for 3 near the end. There was some great run-saving fielding by H Holmes who also took a catch. Farrukh Ali Kayani and Uzair Fraz (1-28) opened the Bury bowling attack and Kayani was unlucky not to get a wicket getting through 9 overs for a parsimonious 18 runs. The introduction of Bowen (4-22) and Charlotte Weston began to turn the screw as the batters were unable to push the score along and the wickets began to fall. Bowen had opener O’Neill (10) well caught by the captain and then removed Prill (16), top scorer Jacobs (34) and Hallows. Worswick also pitched in in taking the captain, Henderson for 18. At this point Mitchell badly injured a finger saving a boundary and had to leave the field with five overs left. The home side went on to win the game by four wickets with 17 balls to spare. All in all this was a good game played in the right manner and Roe Green were the deserved winners. It was nice to see so many young players on both sides doing well with both bat and ball whilst also working hard in the field. A special mention also goes to Rebekah Ashworth who made her senior debut for Bury and batted at number 11 and scored 2 not out and did some sterling work in the field. (Scorecard) 3rd XI Report & Images by Roger Mitchell
After the arrival of Damario Goodman last week, Bury CC can now announce that D'Angelo Springer will also be joining us for the 2022 campaign. D'Angelo, 20, is a top order batsman and off spin bowler who has previously played in the Barbados squad at junior levels. He flies into the UK on Saturday morning and will be available for Saturday's 1st XI fixture. That 1st XI fixture is the opening home league game of the season for Gary's boys, with Bradshaw the visitors. Bury won both league fixtures against the Bolton-based side last season so will be hoping to bounce back from a narrow 9 run defeat at Shaw last weekend. Wickets are pitched at 12:30pm. The 2nd XI are on the road at Clifton (2nd XI) following their opening day victory over Bolton Indians 1st XI last week. Again, wickets are pitched at 12:30pm. On Sunday, the 3rd XI are also away from home, with a visit to Roe Green. That one gets underway at 2pm. 2022 handbooks are now available for all of our members to collect from the club free of charge. If anybody would like a handbook to be delivered to your door, please get in touch with us via our social channels.
League cricket returned this weekend and there was some excellent action in the sun for our three senior sides, with the 2s and 3s picking up victories and the 1s falling just short of a mammoth run chase. The 1st XI were on the road at Shaw, where skipper Garner won the toss and elected to bowl. The home side were 2 down within the first 10 overs with 2 early wickets for opening bowler Mukhtar Nasir. Overseas amateur Damario Goodman picked up his first wicket for the club, Jack Pilling lbw for 15, however Shaw's overseas Daron Cruickshank accelerated the scoring along with former West Indian cricketer Lincoln Roberts. The former holed out to Ammar Baig on the boundary just after drinks to leave the score at 109-4. Goodman continued to take wickets, finishing with 4/51 from his 15 overs, but Roberts continued to make Bury pay for dropping him early in his innings and sealed a century, his final total being 109* from 100 deliveries. Shaw concluded their 50 overs with 262/6. Aqib Zulfiqar, on league debut for the club, got Bury off to an attacking start, his 31 from 30 balls keeping the visitors up with the run rate throughout the first 10 overs. However he and Aneeq Hassan fell in quick succession to leave the score at 58-3. Mukhtar Nasir and Dom Morris built the innings back together strongly whilst still maintaining a good scoring rate. They put on 76 for the fourth wicket, however when Nasir was caught in the slips it prompted a mini-collapse either side of drinks, including the wicket of Morris for 46. Goodman (25) and Sam Nolan-Massey kept Bury hopes alive until they both quickly fell and at 175-8, Bury's chances of victory were slim. Nathan Ramsay and Gary Garner were at the crease and put together an excellent 10 over partnership to get their side back within range of the target. Ramsay was caught on 24 with 33 still needed for victory with 41 balls and 1 wicket remaining. Garner and number 11 Majid Talib managed the next few overs well, with the captain keeping the scoring rate on track - 5 fours and 3 sixes in his 44. However, it would be Shaw's day, with Garner given lbw to one that kept low when 10 runs were needed from the last 8 balls. Shaw took the points but it was a valiant effort from the Bury batsman, and they will take many positives going into next weekend's game at home to Bradshaw. (Scorecard) At Radcliffe Road, the 2nd XI welcomed Bolton Indians for the opening Division 3W league fixture. Captain Matt Metcalfe won the toss and chose to bat first. From 28-2, Syed Hashmi and Usama Akram put on 54 for the third wicket in 10 overs before Akram was bowled for 21. Hashmi's blistering innings contained 7 fours and 3 sixes for his 59 before he was stumped, with the rest of the Bury batting order falling cheaply, finishing on 145 all out. Bolton Indians' innings got off to the worst possible start with Mohammed Majid bowling Kishan Patel with the second ball of the innings. Majid and Lee Halliwell's opening spells left the run chase in disarray with 3 wickets apiece with the score at 28-6. There was some resistance from the visitors' lower order before Halliwell returned to the attack to seal the Bury victory and his own five-fer (10-4-24-5), with Bolton Indians all out for 85. (Scorecard) And on Sunday, the 3rd XI also got off to a winning start with a 5 wicket win at home to Monton. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat and started very strongly at 64-1 after the first 10 overs. However excellent spells from Farrukh Ali (10-3-21-1) and Muhammad Bilal (9-2-20-3) turned the innings on its head. Charlotte Weston became the first female player to take a competitive senior wicket for the club as she finished the innings with 2 wickets - Monton all out for 164 after 40 overs. The Bury reply also started strongly, with Zain Khan and Scott Worswick putting on 69 for the opening stand inside 16 overs. Sam Leach and Iky Gorsi both returned to senior action with double figure returns, but it was Zain Khan who was the star of the show, his 80 held the innings together before he was ran out by a direct hit. Last year's leading run scorer Sajad Safi ended the game with a six over mid on to give Bury the 5 points with 23 balls to spare. (Scorecard)
Bury CC are delighted to welcome our overseas amateur from Barbados to bolster our 1st XI for the 2022 season. Damario Goodman, known as 'Tukie', joins us after enjoying a successful 2021 season at Oxton in the Cheshire League, where he took 60 wickets. He has also previously played in the UK at Wavertree in 2019. Tukie is a left arm spin bowler and a middle order batsman and arrived earlier this week, and will make his debut at Shaw tomorrow.
GMCL action returns this weekend as the 2022 league season gets underway. The 1st XI begin their Premier 2 campaign, after narrowly missing out on promotion last season, away to Shaw, who were promoted from the Championship last time out. Our boys go into the season on the back of two pre-season victories, against Rawtenstall and Barnoldswick. The 2nd XI begin life in Division 3W, after their title winning campaign last year, at home to Bolton Indians 1st XI. Both the 1st and 2nd XI games begin at 12:30pm. On Sunday, the 3rd XI get their season underway at Radcliffe Road - Monton are the visitors for a 2pm start. The junior season also gets underway this weekend, with the U13s in action at home on Sunday morning against Elton, before the U15s host Stand on Monday.
On Wednesday, Bury Grammar School will take on the MCC at Radcliffe Road with a number of star names in local cricket in action. Play begins at 11:30am - the kiosk will be open throughout the day.
On Sunday, our XI defeated Rawtenstall by 3 wickets in our first pre-season game at Radcliffe Road, to win the Mailing Room Trophy for 2022. Matthew Kershaw opened with a 50 for the visitors as they posted 130/5 from their 35 overs. Mukhtar Nasir top scored with 48* for Bury, with the target chased 7 down with 7.3 overs remaining. This coming Easter Sunday, our final pre-season game will again be held at Radcliffe Road, with Ribblesdale League side Barnoldswick the visitors. Play gets underway at 1pm for a 40 over game - so why not come and spend your Easter with us!
Our outdoor training sessions will get underway from next midweek. Details as below. Senior Training - Every Tuesday Evening, 6:15pm-8pm Junior Training - Every Thursday Evening, led by our Junior Coach Adnan Mutfi, 6:30pm-7:45pm
All of our junior fixtures are now available to view via our club calendar, Team App and the league website. The U15s, U13s and U11s are all in regionalised groups, that will then split into performance groups after the first round of fixtures. In the initial regional phase, our sides will play in: - U15s: U15 West Central - with Elton, Heywood, Woodbank, Middleton and Stand - U13s: U13 West Central - with Clifton, Elton A, Elton B,Tottington St Johns, Walshaw, Woodbank and Brooksbottom - U11s: U11 West Central - with Elton A, Heywood, Walshaw,Woodbank, Middleton,Tottington St Johns and Prestwich B Details on junior training will be shared soon.
We will be using Sunday 3rd April as our 'groundwork day' to get the pavillion, the ground and our facilities ready to host games. All members are encouraged to lend some time throughout the day - from 9am onwards - to help us tick off our long list of small jobs that need to be completed. Jobs will include pulling the rope out, assembling the covers and sightscreens, painting, cleaning the nets and plenty more!
Player registration is now open for the 2022 season. Every player - both senior and junior - must complete this registration in order to be eligible to play any league games for Bury CC. Please read all of the below information and attempt to complete the registration as soon as possible. If you have any difficulties please contact james@burycc.co.uk. When registering you will need A personal e-mail address A card for payment of the £10 fee for all players over 18 A "passport style" image of your head and shoulders with no sunglasses or non-religious headwear which would prevent identification from the photo - this is for all players who will play Open-Age (senior) cricket The payment of £10 is for players over 18 only, but all junior and senior players will receive the below benefits once registration is complete: Personal Accident Insurance for all GMCL games including travel to and from the games they take part in - GMCL have already paid this insurance and this is in place ready for the season Free Premium Access to the cricHQ stats and videos through the e-mail address you register with. For 2022 you will get full access to all the cricHQ features Registration is also open to club coaches and club officials (free) who will also be given access to the cricHQ app. Instructions When you click on this link you will be taken to the registration window for our club and ask if you are registering for yourself or registering as a guardian of a child under 16. If you registered as a player in 2021 and/or have an existing cricHQ account, then firstly sign in as prompted on the right hand side. This will then return you go the previous screen when logged in. Click on "Myself" or "My Children" - If the system recognises your e-mail address it will then ask if you want to link to your previous record on cricHQ (this can be corrected later if you have issues). If you do not want to link click on "Dismiss" or otherwise click on "Register Selected Players". This takes you to the next page where you do the basic registration - Enter name, initials, date of birth, gender then (Note - The initials are what would appear before your surname on the scorecard, e.g. if the initial is BG then the scorecard will read as 'BG Surname') add an image (optional for those not playing open age cricket); It must be a passport style, current, face forward, no headwear or face coverings, head & shoulders shot Then your ECB player type - this will be National Player for a majority of our players then add your professional or amateur status - for almost all this will be 'Does not apply' then your role - Official / Umpire / Player Where you have clicked on "My Children" - the page allows you to add more than one child and also asks for your details as parent / guardian When you click on submit - the system will show the image, your name and age and then ask you to select your subscription type and when selected it will show the cost. At the foot of the page are the GMCL & cricHQ GDPR policies and you click on the box to agree to the T&Cs & Club rules. At this point you can "Go Back" or "Submit" The payment process will follow You will then get another chance to double check, but the club admin can make amendments for you if needed. You will receive an e-mail to the e-mail address entered and you must verify your registration and claim your player profile. The league will review the registrations and notify the club if you fail to submit a suitable id photo, registration for the season will not be valid until the club administrator corrects the image. For a more detailed set of instructions including screenshots for each step then click here (note this re-directs to a GMCL webpage).
Bury Cricket Club is delighted to announce that former UAE international cricketer Adnan Mutfi has agreed to become Head Junior Coach for the 2022 season. As a player, Adnan played 18 ODIs and 1 T20 International, as well as 100 First Class & List A games. Nowadays, Adnan is a batting coach for Gloucestershire U19s. He also coaches in the local area and is very well respected due to his high standing in the game. The club moved quickly to secure Adnan as our Head Coach following the vacancy opening up so close to the season's start. Club Chairman Gary Garner said "We are very fortunate to acquire Adnan's services as Head Junior Coach. He will bring the direction and structure we need." "As chairman I am delighted he has decided to join us and hope this is the start of a long relationship between Adnan and Bury Cricket Club." Junior Winter Nets take place on a Tuesday evening at Derby High School. 6-7pm for soft ball, beginners, All Stars and Dynamos. 7-8pm for hard ball, U11s, U13s & U15s. Players of any ability are more than welcome!
2022 Membership subscription fees are now due. Full details below. The price due for your annual subscription to Bury Cricket Club and Bury Sports Club is as follows: - Senior playing members: £95 including sublimated playing shirt - Junior players: £65 - Social membership (non-players): £30 Please make your payments via bank transfer to our club account: Bury Cricket Club Sort Code: 201071 Account Number: 90061654 If you need to make your payment via instalments, please contact Alan Breckin, or your senior captain, who will put you in contact. Senior players should also be aware that as part of the GMCL registration, they will also be required to pay a small fee to register. This will give you full access to the CricHQ app and player insurance. More information will be provided on this when the registration opens shortly.
We can now confirm our pre-season senior fixtures for 2022. Our annual pre-season friendly with Rawtenstall will take place at Radcliffe Road on Sunday 10th April. For the first time, the two teams will contest The Mailing Room Trophy, which will be awarded to the winning side to hold for the year. A big thank you to The Mailing Room who are once again our main club sponsors in 2022, and for their support with this fixture. A week later, the 1st and 2nd XIs will contest reverse fixtures against Whalley Cricket Club. These games will be played on Saturday 16th April, with timings and locations of the two games to be confirmed.
Calling all friends of Bury CC - we need your help! We need a number of volunteers to join our team of scorers for the 2022 season. This is perfect for one of our juniors, as well as parents, siblings, aunties, uncles or grandparents of players - so please ask around. This is open to all and you don't need a connection to the club to get in touch! Scorers fees are increasing to £25 for senior Saturday or Sunday games so you will be paid for your time, and opportunities would be available for junior games if you want to get involved. A full season commitment isnt essential, if you can cover the occasional game then we still need you! Training will be provided before the season gets underway and you don't need previous experience - as long as you understand cricket and will be comfortable using the CricHQ app on a club provided tablet. Please get in touch with James on 07449341941 if you or anyone you know maybe interested. Please share this amongst your family and friends!
Registration for our All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket programmes in 2022 are now open - and at Bury CC we are offering cricket right throughout the season for your youngsters at great value! Once the initial 8 week programmes end, our sessions will continue through the summer and right until the end of the cricket season completely free of charge! All you need to do is register and pay for your child for the initial 8 week programme, and you will be unlocking 4 months of fun for the price of 2! All Stars Cricket is perfect for boys and girls aged 5-8. The activity and game based programme is suitable for all skill levels, providing your child with the foundations to begin a lifelong love of physical activity and cricket, while making friends in a safe and enjoyable environment. Every All Star will receive their own personalised participation pack, backpack, bat and ball. Register here. Dynamos Cricket is perfect for boys and girls aged 8-11. Each week there will be a focus on a different cricket skill to build their confidence and ability. Dynamos Cricket will help grow your child's love of the game, and will give them the opportunity to socialise and make friends in a safe environment. Each Dynamo will receive their own personalised New Balance playing shirt, Topps Cricket Attax cards and be given exclusive access to the Dynamos Cricket app for every player. Register here. Both programmes begin on Friday 20th May, with All Stars at 5-6pm, and Dynamos at 6:30-8pm. Our All Stars and Dynamos Activator is Matthew Metcalfe - if you would like any more information then get in touch with him via matt@burycc.co.uk, or on 07903310861.
This evening (Thursday 24 Feb), the GMCL cup draws for the 1st rounds of the various competitions were carried out. The 1st XI, in a reverse of last year's fixture, will travel to Monton in the first round of the Derek Kay Cup. Monton will be playing in the division below Bury, the Championship, following their relegation last season. Monton knocked out Bury at this stage last season at Radcliffe Road. The tie will be played on Sunday 22nd May. The 2nd XI have a home tie against local neighbours Stand. This will be the first of 3 meetings between the two sides in 2022, and the first of two in 7 days with the two sides again meeting at Radcliffe Road in the league on Saturday 28th May. The 3rd XI have been handed a home tie with a talented and young Royton side, on Sunday 5th June. Royton were promoted to the Sunday Premier division last season and will play one division above Bury in 2022. Groupings and fixtures for the Bury Bullsharks (t20 side) are expected next week. However, the dates for the fixtures are already on our club calendar, which you can view on our website or on our Stack Team App hub.
All of our senior league fixtures are now available for the 2022 season. The 1st XI begin the season away to Shaw CC on April 23rd - this will be the first meeting between the two clubs' first elevens in the GMCL after Shaw were promoted to Premier 2 last season. The 2nd XI, who have moved upto Division 3W after their title winning season in 2021, will begin their campaign at home to Bolton Indians 1st XI on the same date. The first home game for the 1st XI, who finished 4th in Premier 2 in 2021, will be on the following week against Bradshaw, with other stand out fixtures including games with Flixton (14th May & 30 July), Greenfield (4 June & 20 August) and a first GMCL visit to Heaton (11 June). They will finish the season away to Glodwick on September 17th. The 2nd XI have a regionalised division with more local games than compared with 2021, with opposition including Walshaw, Edgworth, Stand, Elton and Unsworth. The 3rd XI will compete in Sunday Division 1, with opposition including Monton, Roe Green, Daisy Hill and Glodwick. Their season begins at home to Monton on April 24th. We will also arrange 4th team friendlies for weeks where availability allows. The T20 fixtures for the Bury Bullsharks, along with the cup draws for each of our senior sides, are expected in the near future. All of our fixtures and cup dates can be viewed via the club calendar page, and via Team App (all members are now encouraged to re-install the app for the 2022 season). In more general league news, the GMCL has decided, after the responses from players and clubs, that providing teas will not be a league requirement in 2022. Additionally, there have been some slight changes to start times for the 2022 season. For all Saturday fixtures up to and including the last day in August, fixtures will commence at 12.30pm and for all fixtures in September they will commence at 12 noon. All Sunday league fixtures will commence at 2pm and all Cup games will commence at 1.00pm - both of these are unchanged. Finally, a reminder that senior indoor training begins next Monday 21st February, 9-10pm at Derby High School. Junior training continues between 6-8pm at the same location on Tuesday evenings.
On Monday 24th January, at the 2022 AGM, the following positions were elected: 1st team captain: Gary Garner 2nd team captain: Matthew Metcalfe 3rd team captain: Joe Mitchell (decided by the committee, updated 23/02/22) Chairman: Gary Garner Treasurer/Secretary: Alan Breckin President: Mike Brawn Selection Committee: Senior captains (& one other to be confirmed) General Committee: Mark Smith Matthew Metcalfe Dave Bowen James Weston Dominic Morris Gary Garner and Matthew Metcalfe were unanimously voted in as the 1st and 2nd team captains, continuing their roles from last year. Our thanks go to Nathan Ramsay who contributed greatly in a number of games as 2nd team captain in 2021 in a title-winning season. The third team captain, for a number of years, has not been decided via a vote at the AGM, and was again decided by the committee. We can now confirm that Joe Mitchell will be the third eleven captain for the 2022 season. Joe knows the club and its players very well and has an excellent relationship with his team mates. We thank James Weston for his hard work over the last two seasons, who stepped down from the role following the 2021 season. Mike Brawn, Jules Spencer and Paul Belston all took the decision not to sit on the general committee this season. We would like to echo the messages of thanks that came at the AGM by thanking each of them, and their families, greatly for the sizeable contribution they have all made over a number of years. Mike will continue in his role as President. On the Player front, we can also confirm our club professional and overseas amateur for the 2022 season. As advertised in the Autumn, Aneeq Hassan will be our professional. Aneeq joins Bury from Ribblesdale League side Baxenden, where he scored 831 runs (including 9 50s) and took 38 wickets with his leg break bowling in the 2021 season. We will also be welcoming Australian Will Russell to Radcliffe Road in April. Will has played a high standard in Australia, including a period of playing first grade cricket for St Kilda in the Victorian Premier League. We are also delighted to announce that Saliq Rasheed and Aqib Zulfiqar will also join our senior set up, from Monton and Crompton respectively, and that former Bury junior Fraser Parr has returned to the club over the winter. Senior winter nets get underway at the Derby High School from Monday 21st February (9-10pm).
A reminder that the AGM will take place on Monday 24th January at 7:30pm. At this moment in time we plan for the meeting to be held in person, however this is subject to the covid situation and member response on the below. Whilst this is not mandatory, we encourage all of our members to respond to our survey as to whether you can attend, or if you would like your apologies to be recorded. Click here to access the survey. We also wish to seek nominations for all positions - you can do this, with a proposer and a seconder - via this excel sheet.
Click here to read our Winter News Update.
As the season has drawn to a close, we look back at the 2021 junior season with a short summary from each junior manager... U11s The Under 11s started the season with a young, and inexperienced squad. The bulk of the squad was the previous season’s U9s team, who had played played very little or no hard ball cricket the season before. With no winter nets, it wasn't a surprise that the squad got off to a slow start, losing their first two games. The positive was that the first two teams played were by far the standout teams in our group, and went on to finish 1st and 2nd. As a team they settled into it and battled on, training well and playing hard, and went on a run of 6-7 games unbeaten, including beating one of the teams they had lost to at the start of the season. A third place finish behind the top two very strong teams was a good return. Every member of the squad showed huge improvement and willingness to learn as the games went on, with the majority of the squad attending junior training nights and also additional training sessions. By the end of the season, 4 members of the Bury CC squad had been selected for and represented Bury District U11s (Zach, James, Lucas, Harry), who went on to win the mini group tournament with victory in the final game. Thanks to the Parents for all the time and effort bringing the squad to games and training, and also to Ben and the club coaches for everything through the season. Bryan. U13s It was a good positive season this year for the u13s. We started slowly in our first game against Middleton but were much improved in the second game at a very cold Walshaw. While some of the kids looked like snowmen playing in lots of layers, I remember looking over at the parents on the side who reminded me of a group of penguins huddling together for warmth. We narrowly lost that game in the last over which seemed to set a theme for the next few games with a number of narrow defeats. I must take this opportunity to again say thanks to the u11s who played in those early games. Our first win came at Elton a couple of games later. Elton won the toss and elected to bat and they clearly didn’t know that our bowlers were completely on their game that morning (I don’t know what they all had for breakfast but I would encourage it every week). We restricted Elton to 69 all out and it was great to see 6 different bowlers taking wickets and what was also positive to see was 8 of the 10 wickets were clean bowled. Our best batting performance came against Walshaw in the return fixture which was a lot warmer than the first but sadly a lot wetter. Bury batted first and in our 20 overs we scored 152 for 6. That day again it seemed to click, and we were playing nice shots finding the gaps and the training that the team had done around running between the wickets and calling really paid off. Unfortunately the rain took the win from us on that day when the match had to be abandoned when we had Walshaw 6 for 1 after 4 overs What was encouraging this season was we started the season having to use U11s to make up the numbers to turn 11 players out but by the end of the season we had grown to 17 players in the U13 squad. A real positive was due to the training and the larger number of games this season every player progressed and developed. Over the season we saw 5 different players score over 30 and retire (some on a number of occasions) and two others scored well into the twenties. On the bowling side what was fantastic to see was that nearly every player from the 25 who played for us this season all took wickets. Basically only Noah our wicket keeper didn’t take any wickets but he took some excellent catches. This was very positive to see because unlike some other clubs we weren’t relient on one or two players and we let all players have a bowl and they all equipped themselves very well. All the players should be proud of themselves this year with how they have developed and progressed and a big thanks must go to the coaches who have been down on a Tuesday night all season rain or shine helping them to develop. Like me I hope you are all looking forward to winter training and another fantastic season next year. Neil U15s Bury CC U15s played 7 matches in 2021, not many games in what felt like a half season. But despite the lack of matches, the squad pulled together and started to improve from game 1. It was always going to be a tough season with having such a young side and only having 2 players of age. That said I was happy with the team in the end, they had learnt a lot, especially the younger ones playing against essentially young adults. We were competitive in all the matches and I can honestly say we had chances in every match! We didn't take many of them but that's the game and we did well to learn from them. We played 7 matches, won 1, had 1 abandoned and lost 5. As a unit, the progress made in the end was incredible, great to see so many learning so quickly and to think that they could compete at that level was a testament to training hard and well and a tough, enthusiastic attitude! Nick A massive thank you from all of our juniors to Matt, Ben, Ammar, Dom, Paul, Nick, Neil, Bryan, Dan and everybody who has volunteered to help the junior section throughout the 2021 season.
The first eleven ended their season with a 23 run victory at Radcliffe Road - not enough for promotion on the day but secures a fine 4th place finish in a very competitive Premier 2 division. As was the theme for most of the season, Gary Garner won the toss, and he elected to bat first. Mukhtar Nasir (63) and Ben Gorton (45) put on 114 for the second wicket after an early first wicket for Woodhouses. 3 quick wickets for the visitors brought them into the game, before Alex Breckin batted throughout the last 14 overs for 36* from 28 balls to push Bury upto 186/6 from their 50 overs. Breckin then starred with the ball early on, with both openers bowled inside the first 7 overs, with just 2 runs on the board. George Mills, making his first team debut, then claimed the wickets of key men Nick Hardman (33) and Matthew Taylor (28). However, Woodhouses continued to grow in the game, and spells of slow bowling from Ammar Baig and Gary Garner kept the scoring quiet - captain Garner taking 3/22 in 6 overs, before Alex Breckin had the final say of the season - taking his 4th wicket of the afternoon, as Woodhouses, who were relegated on the day due to results elsewhere, fell to a 23 run defeat. Bury finish in 4th place, with Walshaw taking the final promotion spot. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI travelled to Golborne - who were relying on results elsewhere to have a chance of joining Bury in being promoted. With 15 overs to go, Golborne, batting first, were 115/4 despite familiar-looking figures from Matt Metcalfe's opening spell of 10-5-13-3 . Two wickets in an over for Mohammed Usman (2/34) began to turn the tide, and Uzair Fraz took 3/5 in 3 overs as Golborne collapsed to 134 all out. Bury struggled with the bat, with Zain Khan the only one to get settled at the crease. He batted through the innings for 67*, with the most support coming from Marcus Eaton (13). Bury fell just 6 short of victory, being bowled out with 14 balls of their 45 overs remaining. Nevertheless, Bury finished top of Division 4S&W ahead of Swinton Moorside who also are promoted in 2nd, just ahead of Golborne in 3rd. (Scorecard)
With a 5 wicket win at home to Westleigh on Saturday, the 2nd XI were confirmed as Division 4S&W champions, whilst it was an opportunity missed for the 1st XI at Walshaw. Westleigh won the toss and elected to bat first at Radcliffe Road, but lost early wickets, with Mohammed Majid heavily involved in the action - taking 4 wickets in his 14 over spell and a catch. Opener Sean Makinson was ran out by Joe Spencer, the first of two run outs for him, and the visitors slumped to 57/9. However, number 10 Ellis Whittle took the attack to Bury, scoring 32 from just 16 balls, and pushed the score upto 83 before Patrick Potts bowled him with his first and only ball of the afternoon. Bury were quickly under no illusions that it would be an easy run chase, slipping to 9-4 within the first 4 overs. However, leading run scorer Syed Hashmi(49*) and Sohale Khan (19) steadied the ship and brought Bury home, securing promotion to Division 3 and also being confirmed as league champions. (Scorecard) The 1st XI missed the opportunity to put themselves in a very strong position in the Premier 2 promotion battle, with a 8 wicket defeat at Walshaw. Bury fought well on a tough wicket to reach 191 - with sizeable contributions from Ammar Baig (54), Mukhtar Nasir (48) and Dom Morris (47). It was a strong start with the ball too, with Walshaw at 27/2 in the 11th over - but from that point dropped catches proved to be costly, with Adam Stansfield (91*) and Saif Bhojani (79*) staying in the middle to the end, to take 6 points for Walshaw. They followed that victory with a 2 wicket win at Edgworth on Sunday, meaning Bury need to get 6 points against Woodhouses, who need points in the relegation battle, and hope that Walshaw get 0 points against already-relegated Royton for Bury to be promoted on the final day. (Scorecard)
The 1st team inflicted a heavy 146 run victory over already-relegated Royton to climb into the final promotion place with just two games to go - setting up a huge league game next weekend away to local and promotion rivals Walshaw. Bury won the toss and chose to bat first, with Jacob Ramsay opening the batting with Ben Gorton and Kervon Christmas and former Lancashire batsman Paul Horton opening bowling - an opening stand worth 67 was put on before the former was ran out for 35. Gorton and number 4 Mukhtar Nasir put on exactly 100 for the 3rd wicket in good time, with both batsmen passing 50. Dom Morris (44 from 32 balls) joined Nasir (79 from 91 balls) at the crease and with both batsmen scoring quickly, Bury accelerated to 246/6 from their 50 overs. Bury's defence got off to a perfect start with Paul Horton deflecting the ball onto his stumps off the bowling of Sam Nolan-Massey for a duck. When Indian overseas Ameya Bhaave (20) was well held by Jacob Ramsay at cover, Bury were well in control, with only 3 other batsman reaching double figures for the away side. Lee Halliwell (3/25) bowled Christmas and followed it with an lbw next ball, and Ahmed Matloob picked up his fourth 5-wicket haul of the season with 5/29 from 12 overs. Royton were bowled out for 100, to give Bury 6 points, and with results going their way elsewhere, they now sit 5 points ahead of Walshaw and 7 ahead of Bradshaw who both have 1 game in hand over Bury, (Scorecard) The 2nd XI went down to defeat at Flixton, but will still secure their own promotion next week if they win at home to Westleigh, or if Swinton Moorside fail to win.
This coming Sunday a Bury CC Select XI consisting of past & present players will play in 'The Hundred'-style Josh Smith-Webb Charity Cricket match at Woodley CC (Fowden Fields, High Lane, Woodley, SK6 1AZ) from 12:30pm. The XI representing Bury will include Josh's former Bury CC U15 Manager Paul Belston & current 1st Team Captain Gary Garner, and we also welcome back Jordan Belston, Liam Neill, Matty Bowen, Rob McGinnis, Chris Hall and Connor Gayden to don their dusty whites along with current players Sam Nolan-Massey & Mukhtar Nasir who all have fond memories of playing with Josh who recently so sadly passed at the age of 25. Good luck to all involved. All club members and families new & old are welcome to attend this day & celebrate Josh's life.
5 Teams of Bury cricketers are playing amongst the 22 teams at Pike Fold Golf Club (just past Unsworth CC) on Fri 3rd September. All are welcome to come and watch the golfers in action from 1:30pm, either sit by the 18th Green near the bar, or walk the course and watch in close up. Mind the flying golf balls! Notable players to watch are Gary, Paul B, Dave B, Jules and MKB. Otherwise join in the evening event with supper and entertainment. From 7pm: Supper, quiz, raffle and comedian. Tickets are £15 (including raffle entry) and can be purchased through Dave Bowen, Paul Belston or Dom Morris. Special dietary requirements catered for. Please support this fundraiser. Prizes are also still required for the raffle – please hand any donations to Dave Bowen, Paul Belston or Mike Brawn.
The 2nd XI, led by a Lee Halliwell half century, extended their lead at the top of the Division 4S&W table with a 75 run DLS victory over Hindley St Peters. Joe Mitchell (23) and Zain Khan (35) set a strong foundation to the Bury innings, putting on 49 for the second wicket in 20 overs. Stand in captain for the weekend Mohammed Majid scored a run-a-ball 21 before Lee Halliwell reached his second Bury half-century, from 34 balls, finishing with 59* including 6 fours and 1 six. Bury had reached 187/7 from their 41 overs, following a rain delay 15 overs into the innings. Lukman Tailor was the pick of the bowlers for the home side, taking 4/55. The Hindley reply never threatened the Bury total, with each bowler taking one wicket each - the only exception being George Mills who took 3/34 from his 10 overs. The victory takes Bury 8 points clear of Swinton Moorside and Golborne, who are level in 2nd and 3rd, with the top two to go up after the final 4 games. (Scorecard) On Saturday, both the 1st and 2nd XIs were denied potential victories after rain interrupted both games after the first innings. The 1st XI had bowled out league leaders Denton West for 166 - with Ahmed Matloob taking 6/35, and the 2nd XI had bowled out Worsley for 87, with spinner Mohammed Usman also in the wickets with 5/29. On Sunday, the 3rd XI suffered a rain-affected defeat to league leaders Greenfield. Bury had fought well to bowl out Greenfield for 145 with 3 wickets for Faiz Amjad and 2 each for Farrukh Ali (on debut) and Uzair Fraz. Hamzah Hussain (23) looked good on his return but Bury were ultimately bowled out for 75 against a strong bowling attack. (Scorecard) Main Photo: Hindley St Peters CC 2nd XI v Bury CC 2nd XI Worsley CC 2nd XI v Bury CC 2nd XI Denton West CC 1st XI v Bury 1st XI
Following the success of the competition at the back end of the 20/21 season, Last Man Standing returns to Bury CC for the 2021/22 season. The rules are simple - you pick a team from the Premier League or EFL, if they win you progress to the next round, if not you are out until the next game begins. Each round you cannot select a team that you have already selected until the next game. The winners take a share of the entry fee. Additionally, the code for the Bury CC Fantasy Premier League competition is below: Play Fantasy Premier League and join my mini-league League Code: zbgb6f https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/zbgb6f
Sit back and enjoy Bury Cricket Club's 175th Anniversary Story. Best viewed on a laptop or smart TV.
On Friday 30th July, Bury Cricket Club entered a team into the Charity Golf Day at the scenic and impressive High Peak New Mills Golf Club. Josh sadly passed away earlier this year and many at Bury CC hold fond memories of his time with us. Josh was part of a very successful period for our juniors including winning the U15 LCB Regional Knockout Trophy, going onto represent Lancashire in the National Competition. The Bury CC Golf team consisted of Josh's former team manager Paul Belston, teammate Jordan Belston, chairman Gary Garner and guest Jordan G. All 4 golfers representing Bury CC in this inaugral trophy event contributed good performances on the day - and Bury CC won the event with a score of 107. Jordan Belston spoke a few fitting words after accepting The Odd Socks Trophy in Josh's memory. Whilst attending the day, former Bury CC player Liam Neill paid tribute by visiting the tree planted in Josh's memory which sits high above the beautiful views of the High Peak on Hole 16. RIP Josh - you are missed from all at Bury CC.
The 1st XI came back from what looked like certain defeat to defeat Bradshaw on the last ball and move into 3rd with 6 games to go, whilst the 2nds remain top of their division after a win at Bolton Indians. Bradshaw won the toss, and not for the first time in recent weeks, Bury were in big trouble early on with the bat. The home side were well on top with Bury 6-3, then 16-4, 38-5 and 58-6, until Gary Garner and Nathan Ramsay were paired together at the crease. Garner continued to work the ball around whilst Ramsay put away the loose deliveries - a partnership worth 66 of which Nathan scored 50 - his maiden 1st XI half century - including 8 fours and 1 six. Joe Spencer stayed with the captain, who was eventually stumped in the last over for 45, and Bury had recovered to 162/9 from their 50 overs. Bradshaw lost Jordan Evans early but Cian Dickinson's excellent innings put them in a great position, targeting the spin of Ahmed Matloob in particular as he raced to a half century of his own. He was caught by Sam Nolan-Massey on the boundary, and then followed a inspired half-hour from Mukhtar Nasir. He took 3 wickets in 3 overs, and additionally ran out Brett Ernst with a direct hit from outside the circle on the offside. Nick Lester and Elliot Dargan steadied the Bradshaw ship, progressing the score from 125-7 to 153-7, but it was Nasir who returned to take both of their wickets in the penultimate over, when 10 was needed from 2 overs. That gave him a deserved five-wicket haul, 11-3-20-5. Alex Breckin was to bowl the final over, with 8 needed and 1 wicket remaining. It eventually went to the final delivery, with 4 required, and it was a dot ball outside off from Breckin to ensure Bury took 5 points, which takes them level with their opponents, but ahead on number of wins, and into the top 3 with just 6 weeks remaining. (Scorecard) The 2nd team were away from home at a damp Bolton Indians where the game was reduced to 40 overs a side. Syed Hashmi once again starred with the bat, scoring 64 from just 67 balls including 7 fours and 2 sixes, as Bury posted 175/5. Mohammed Majid hit a quickfire 25* from 11 balls, and Zain Khan also contributed with 24. Bolton Indians built some sizeable partnerships in the first 20 overs, but the required run rate was always a little too much. George Mills and Matt Metcalfe took 6 wickets between them in a 15 over period, with youngster Mills taking 4/52 and captain Metcalfe with 2/16 - and it was Ali Hassan (3/23) who took the final wicket despite the home side threatening a late comeback, with them all out 26 short of the target. (Scorecard)
2020 would have been Bury Cricket Club's 175th Anniversary. Due to the pandemic, we have missed out on a number of club activities and events. On Friday 6th August 2021 at 8.00pm we will present the History of Bury Cricket Club. Watch a short promo video here:
The 1st XI continued their strong season in Premier 2 with a 6 wicket win at home to bottom side Monton. The visitors won the toss and batted first and were 29-3 after the first 14 overs with the top 3 all out - Alex Breckin getting the openers and Nathan Ramsay running out Junaid Riaz. Youngster Benjamin Marsden batted well for the best part of 30 overs for his 32, but Sam Nolan-Massey wripped through the middle and lower order, taking 5 of the last 6 wickets to finish with figures of 14-3-24-5, and Monton were all out for 125. Bury were given a scare at the start of their innings, finding themselves at 15-3 in the 6th over, with U13 George Brown getting the wickets of 3 key Bury batsman. Alex Breckin, Ammar Baig and extras put on 70 runs for the next wicket to calm any nerves of the home support, and captain Gary Garner ensured there would be no further drama - Ammar Baig finishing the game with a maximum and a boundary to reach 50 from 82 deliveries, meaning Bury won by 6 wickets and remain in a healthy league position going into the final 7 weekends. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI welcomed South West Manchester to Unsworth and batted first. Syed Hashmi's fine 42 from 41 balls got the runs flowing early doors, and Bury were 90-5 with just over half of their overs remaining. However the lower order offered little resistance to South West's bowling and added just a further 5 runs for the remaining 5 wickets - Abdulmazid Master taking 5/33. Despite the collapse, Matt Metcalfe (5/21) and Lee Halliwell (3/38) brought Bury back on top in the game with superb opening spells, and SWM were 67-9 after 21 overs. However, a resilient partnership between the number 9 and 11 batsman saw the game home with 29 for the last wicket to take home the 5 points - Bury taking one losing bonus point to stay top of the table. (Scorecard) The 3rd XI were involved in a similarly tight game away at Sunday Premier leaders Whalley Range. A collapse looked on the cards at 28-3 as Bury batter first, but Sohale Khan and Sajad Safi (28) struck a fine balance between attack and defence to put on 67 for the 4 wicket in 12 overs. Bury continued to move towards a strong total, but the lower order collapse struck again once Khan had departed for 64, falling from 144-4 with 10 overs remaining to 161 all out. Bury took regular wickets in the first 15 overs, mainly thanks to Mohammed Bilal's opening spill with Whalley Range 69-4. The 5th wicket partnership of 55 looked to have swung the momentum to the home side, but Mohammed Usman removed both set batsman in his return to the bowling attack, and with 4 overs to go, the score was 137-8. Home captain Mudassar Iqbal played well for his 20*, and it was number 10 Ralf Syrett who hit the winning runs with 5 balls remaining to take a 2 wicket win. (Scorecard) The 4th XI enjoyed a trip to Rainhill. An enjoyable game ended in a victory for Bury - Will Moore was man of the match with 50 runs and a strong bowling performance. Rainhill CC:
The 1st and 2nd teams both came home with the points after long days in the sun on the road. The 1st team were in action at Heywood, looking to bounce back from 2 defeats in the last 2 weeks. Heywood's Caleb Grant put Bury right under pressure in the first over after Gary Garner won the toss and chose to bat, both Ben Gorton and Mukhtar Nasir out for no score in the first 6 balls. Ammar Baig and Dom Morris very patiently rebuilt the innings, and when Baig was bowled by Chris Humphreys (15-7-28-1) on 24, Alex Breckin joined Morris at the crease for a lengthy partnership. Dom reached 50 with his 110th ball, which included 3 big sixes on a big ground, and he was bowled for 63 with 10 overs to go, with 120 on the board. Alex Breckin and Ghalib Sarosh (20) pushed the runs well, Breckin got to his half century from 85 balls and finished with 63, and Bury managed 185/6 from their 50 overs. Alex Breckin got the early big wicket of Bobby Cross (14), before Lee Halliwell and Ahmed Matloob both struck in their first overs to leave Heywood's top three all back in the shed with 32 on the board. Matloob (4/53) and Breckin continued to take wickets - Heywood's captain Sean Burrill (41 from 28) gave his side a realistic hope of victory before he was stumped by Ben Gorton, and when Caleb Grant was caught by Ammar Baig the home side's chances had faded dramatically. Breckin (4/33) took the final wicket to leave Heywood 33 runs short of their target, completing the double over them for the Radcliffe Road men. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI were in action on the road as well, at Stretford. The home side won the toss but were in early trouble at 9-3 after 9 overs thanks to an economical start from Matt Metcalfe and Mohammed Majid. Both the opening bowlers took 2 wickets, and there was 1 wicket apiece for Harry Williamson, George Mills and Zain Khan as Stretford reached 171-8 from their 45 overs. There was good contributions from the top 5, with a well paced 42 from Joe Mitchell, 23 for Zain Khan, 32* from Syed Hashmi and 21 for Patrick Potts - and the win was wrapped up with 5.1 overs remaining, by 5 wickets. (Scorecard) The 3rd XI had a day that will hopefully not live long into the memory with a thumping 9 wicket defeat at home to Oldham West inside 2 and a half hours. Bury were in all sorts of trouble at 14-5 inside 9 overs. Sajad Safi (38) and Faiz Amjad (11) were the only two to make it to double figures, but Safi's contribution pushed Bury upto 84 all out before being bowled in the 22nd over. The 2019 1st XI Championship Cup finalists made very light work, with Muneeb Ahmed hitting 64* from 38 balls with the run chase completed in 10.2 overs. (Scorecard)
Bury Cricket Club was saddened to learn of the passing of aged 102. Not many of our members will remember Harry but his name appears on the Honours Boards ( please look him up ). Harry opened the batting mainly in the 2nds in the 50s, 60s and early 70s then became President before retiring to Scotland in 1980. His wife Betty (also deceased) acted as Club treasurer and their son Andrew played for the 2nds in the 70s. Harry still remembered his time at Bury even 40 years after leaving the area and was kind enough to provide a small bequest to the Club. A humorous, gentleman cricketer. MKB
Disappointing batting displays and heavy rain combined to make it a winless weekend for the club for the first time since the opening weekend of the season. The 1st XI slipped to a second defeat in a row, and the second to Flowery Field in 2021, in a rain-reduced game at Radcliffe Road. A short rain shower delayed the start by 30 minutes, reducing the game to 46 overs a side. Flowery's stand in skipper Owen Feakes out Bury into bat first and despite a good first few overs, the innings never gained momentum. Mukhtar Nasir top scored (61) with his third half century of the season, but Flowery Field's tight bowling kept the run rate around 3 for the whole innings, with Bury finishing their 46 overs on a below par 145/6. Adam Bardsley was the pick of the Flowery Field bowlers, with 4/34 from his 14 overs. Three wickets in three overs brought Bury into the game with Flowery at 42/3, but Mike Finan (52) and Keegan Taylor, who both got scores in the reverse fixture, built a match-winning 4th wicket partnership worth 76 - Taylor finishing with 32* as Flowery eventually got over the line with 3.1 overs and 4 wickers remaining. Lee Halliwell's spell was the highlight for Bury, with 2/21 from his 6.5 overs. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI game at Winton was abandoned due to very heavy rainfall during the first innings, which left the ground completely underwater. Matt Metcalfe had taken 3/13 from his 8 overs, including the wicket of Garner for a duck, in Winton's 84/5 from 23.1 overs. (Scorecard) The 3rd XI also had a below-par performance with the bat in their game away on a damp wicket at Westhoughton. Opener Sohale Khan (66) was one of only two Bury batsman to make double figures as the side were bowled out for 116 within 29.1 overs in a 36 over game. Westhoughton looked to be in a bit of trouble at 48/3 but Philip Wakefield and Benjamin Sykes patiently saw the home side at St George's Oval, winning in 31.3 overs. (Scorecard)
Watch football come home with us this Sunday! On Sunday evening, we will be showing the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy outside on a 75 inch TV, with a PA system. We will be catering for those attending, offering food & a beer (or soft drink) for £10 for adults, and food & drink deals for £5 for children. It promises to be a superb evening with chances to participate in sweepstakes and games. If you plan on joining us, please enter your details via our quick google form here.
Bury wripped through Edgworth's top and middle order but still went down to defeat on Saturday, whilst Zain Khan starred with the bat in a win for the 2s. After heavy rainfall through most of the morning, the ground at the Barlows was mopped up in time for a 28 over game. Bury won the toss and chose to bat. In a similar story to last week, Dom Morris (30) top scored with the bat whilst wickets fell regularly throughout the innings. The lower order once again contributed well, Jacob Ramsay finishing with 30 not out from 23 balls which included 3 sixes, as Bury managed 131 before being bowled out with one ball of the innings remaining. Chris Read and Chris Brownlow both took 3 wickets for the home side. Overseas Edgworth captain Christian Smith and sub pro Stuart Els took the attack to the Bury bowlers early, with 25 from the first two overs. However, when Sam Nolan-Massey bowled Els with the score at 36, it prompted a major collapse for Edgworth. Alex Breckin took the key wickets of Smith and Liam Watkinson in back-to-back deliveries, and 3 overs later Edgworth had slipped from 36/0 to 40/6 - 4 wickets for Breckin and 2 for Nolan-Massey. Rob Bancroft (35*) and Chris Read (37*) got themselves in with still little pressure from the run rate, and put on 92 runs for the unbeaten 7th wicket partnership as Edgworth came home with 3.4 overs remaining. (Scorecard) At Radcliffe Road, the drainage worked a treat as the 2nd XI game with Hindley St Peters started on time for a full 45 over game. Hindley's top order didn't fire with wickets for Ali Hassan (9.2-3-30-3), Matt Metcalfe (8-5-3-2) and Patrick Potts, leaving them at 82-7. Majid Raza struck 44 for the visitors as the score pushed above 100 and Hindley were eventually bowled out for 143 with 9 overs remaining - Potts the pick of the bowlers with 4/26. In the second innings, Zain Khan batted superbly to hit 81* at just shy of a run-a-ball, and he was supported by Joe Mitchell and Ghalib Sarosh (32*) as Bury chased the target with ease, winning by 9 wickets inside 29 overs. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the drainage at Radcliffe Road once again worked wonders as play got underway in a 24 over game at 4pm. James Towey (43) and Scott Worswick put on 54 for the second wicket, and a quickfire 27 from Muhammad Bilal helped Bury to 133/6 from their overs. South West Manchester 3s kept up with the rate throughout their innings despite excellent bowling spells from Marcus Eaton (3/8) and Uzair Fraz (2/34) and came home by 3 wickets with 7 balls remaining. (Scorecard)
Nathan Ramsay and Dom Morris both put in superb performances with the bat to set up a perfect day of cricket from our 1st and 2nd teams. The 1st team won for the third week in a row, on the road at Woodhouses. After choosing to bat first, Bury started superbly with the opening duo of Ben Gorton (31) and Ammar Baig (34) putting on 72 for the opening wicket in 14 overs. A mini collapse followed leaving Bury at 77-4, and at 106, Alex Breckin was unfortunate to be ran out backing up due to a Dom Morris straight drive for the second time this season. Bury slipped to 139/8 with 13 overs remaining and looked to be heading to a well-below par total. However, Dom Morris stepped up and put on a display, with 12 fours and 5 sixes, and he was ably supported by Ahmed Matloob (12) and Patrick Potts (12*), as Bury reached 226 all out, when Morris was caught and bowled just 6 runs away from a maiden 1st team century. Woodhouses' run chase started strongly, with the top 4 setting up the innings well. When the home side's leading run scorer Nick Hardman (39) was caught by Mukhtar Nasir off the bowling of Sam Nolan-Massey, Woodhouses were 138/3 with more than 20 overs remaining. 2 wickets in 2 balls for Bury began to swing the momentum as Ammar Baig ran out Alex Spender and Alex Breckin trapped the number 6 lbw first ball. When Breckin (3/55) bowled opener Matthew Taylor (72) the tail became exposed and the wicket of Josh Butler, bowled by Sam Nolan-Massey was the one that wrestled the control of the game firmly into Bury's hands. Jacob Ramsay took the winning catch off Ahmed Matloob's bowling and Woodhouses were all out for 202, Bury winning by 24 runs. (Scorecard) At Radcliffe Road, the 2nd XI were in action in a top-of-the-table clash with unbeaten league leaders Golborne. Nathan Ramsay won the toss and chose to bat first, and wasted no time getting to 50, with that milestone passed by the time Bury were 72/2 after 17 overs. The attack continued from Ramsay, and he was mainly supported by Ali Hassan (54), with 119 put on for the 4th wicket - in which time Nathan had reached his second Bury ton (his first in second team cricket) from 87 balls and then his 150 from 116 balls. Golborne eventually claimed his wicket as the ball rolled onto the stumps from an inside edge for 154 from 119 balls - a superb innings which included 23 fours and 2 sixes. Muhammed Bilal's quickfire 20 propelled Bury to 278-7 from their 45 overs. Golborne lost wickets frequently in their run chase, with wickets shared around - George Mills took 3/18 from his 7 overs and Lee Halliwell took 2/29 from his 9. The visitors did bat out their 45 overs to prevent Bury from taking a 6th point, and Bury ended the day as winners by 122 runs. (Scorecard) Main photo: Woodhouses CC Nathan Ramsay celebrates reaching his century
Places are still available on Bury Cricket Club's Dynamos Programme for 2021! Dynamos Cricket is the perfect introduction for all 8-11 year-olds new to the sport. - Runs alongside the Hundred with Hundred-style games - Free Dynamos t-shirt for all Dynamos - 8 sessions from 16th July - 6pm-7pm every Friday - Places still available! Register or find more information by clicking here.
Bury came out on top in an enthralling Premier 2 clash with Walshaw, winning by 1 wicket. Walshaw won the toss and elected to bat and started well with the opening pair of Josh Allum and Saif Bhojani. The first wicket came from nowhere with a mix up between the duo resulting in Allum being ran out by Ammar Baig. Ahmed Matloob came into the attack and took the wickets of Adam Stansfield and Bhojani within 3 balls, both bowled. When the next wicket fell at 92/4, that sparked a mini collapse with Walshaw slipping to 119/8, with Matloob picking up 7 of those 8 wickets. Number 5 Jack McClung was still at the crease, and he was supported by the more than able number 10 Shabnan Ali, as the Walshaw fightback begun. A further 63 runs were added, including 37 from Ali before Sam Nolan-Massey bowled him in the final over to bowl out Walshaw for 182. Ahmed Matloob finished his 15 over spell with the remarkable figures of 8/56. Bury looked to be in big trouble early on at 16/3 with last week's run scorers Ben Gorton and Ammar Baig gone, as well as Ghalib Sarosh with 3 early wickets for Shahrukh Khan. Mukhtar Nasir and Dom Morris (26) were the next to fall with the score at 78/5 with still another 105 needed. Alex Breckin was supported by Jacob Ramsay (19) as Bury edged their way closer to the target. After both Gary Garner and Ali Hassan were given out lbw, Bury were 140/8, needing 43 from the last 2 wickets. Sam Nolan-Massey and Alex Breckin (44) put on another 31 in 5 overs before Breckin's crucial knock was brought to an end as he was bowled at 171/9. Ahmed Matloob supported Nolan-Massey well under high pressure, and it was Sam (27*) who was the hero at the death, clipping a four to fine leg with 5 needed, and then driving a straight boundary with scores level to bring Bury home by 1 wicket. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI suffered their first league defeat of the season during their trip to the Pingot to take on Westleigh 2nd XI. After Lee Halliwell's early wicket, Craig Ralph (97) and Daniel Galvin passed 150 for the second wicket, before Halliwell returned to the attack to remove Ralph, caught by Nathan Ramsay behind the stumps. Despite Matt Metcalfe's opening spell of 8-5-10-0, Westleigh ended on 266/6 from their 45 overs. Similarly to the 1st team, Bury lost 3 early wickets in the run chase with Joe Mitchell, Syed Hashmi and Nathan Ramsay all out. Usama Akram (37) and Joe Spencer put on 75 in 11 overs for the 4th wicket, but regular wickets from that point onwards stemmed any Bury momentum. However, there were highlights for our juniors with Joe Spencer reaching his first senior half century, 51 from 47 balls, and George Mills ended on 27*, his highest senior total. Bury were eventually bowled out for 176, some 91 runs short of victory, going into next week's top of the table clash with Golborne. (Scorecard) On Sunday, it was a trip to Prestwich for our young 3rd XI side. Having lost the toss, Bury controlled the pace of the first 20 overs well with Prestwich at 67/3 with a wicket apiece for Mohammed Shah and Mohammed Bilal. An eventful last 10 overs saw 60 runs and 6 wickets, with wickets for Josh Bowen (2/57), Faiz Amjad (1/27) and Bilal (10-3-24-3), with Prestwich finishing their 40 overs on 190/9. As was the theme for the weekend, early wickets thwarted Bury's run chase, with excellent opening spells from Umar Arif and Karl West for the home side. Bury gained no real momentum and were bowled out for 86, with spinner Muhammad Arif taking 5/31. Mo Shah top scored with 21 from 11 balls, which included a couple of balls being sent on the tennis courts. (Scorecard) (Main photo: Westleigh CC)
Firstly on Friday evening, we have our All Stars session, which will be followed by a BBQ (approx 7:30pm) and England v Scotland, which we will be screening live in the clubhouse. On Saturday, the 1st XI are at home against local rivals Walshaw. Bury go into the game just one point behind our opponents. A big thank you to Mr & Mrs Gee who are this week's matchball sponsors. Wickets pitched at Radcliffe Road at 1pm. The still unbeaten 2nd XI are away to Westleigh 2nd XI with a 1:30pm start. On Sunday, the 3rd XI return to league action with an away game against Prestwich 3rd XI - that one gets underway at 2pm. The T20 scheduled for Thursday 17th June did not take place as our opponents were unable to raise a team. The Bullsharks have been awarded the points. A reminder that due to the latest government advice for the Greater Manchester region, our indoor seating area is closed during matches and only one person may enter the main room to be served at any one time. Our full latest risk assessment can be viewed by clicking here.
Ben Gorton and Ammar Baig piled on the runs for the 1st team on the way to a bonus point victory at Royton. After choosing to bat first, Gorton and Baig started superbly well with 50 runs on the board in the first 10 overs. What was a good start turned into a remarkable opening stand of 188 in 33 overs. Ammar Baig was the one who fell, just four runs short of a century, with 96 runs from 109 balls including 10 fours and 5 sixes. Royton did manage to stem the flow of runs slightly in the last 17 overs, but Ben Gorton continued to score at a good rate, bringing up his century from 115 balls in the 41st over. Liam Brown starred with the ball for Royton, taking 3/60 which included the wickets of Mukhtar Nasir and Dom Morris, but Bury still scored 277/4 from their 50, with Gorton carrying his bat for 131* from 143 balls, including 18 boundaries. The Royton run chase never really gained momentum - it was Ahmed Matloob (15-3-32-3) who got the wickets of the main men overseas Ameya Bhaave and former Lancashire and Leicestershire batsman Paul Horton. Alex Breckin and Sam Nolan-Massey also took 3 wickets apiece, and Royton were bowled out for 153 in the 43rd over to secure 6 points for Bury on the road. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI began their double header with a home league game against Flixton 2nd XI. Flixton won the toss and chose to bat and lost their first wicket with the first ball of the match - Syed Hashmi taking a good catch in the cordon off the bowling of Mohammed Majid. Matt Metcalfe and Majid took 5 wickets between them from their opening spells, with Flixton at 44/5 from 19 overs. Only 9 more runs were added before the 10 men were bowled out, with Patrick Potts taking 3/5 in 2.5 overs and Harry Williamson also picking up a soliatary wicket. The run chase lasted just 55 balls, Nathan Ramsay was the only one to lose his wicket for a quick 31, and the second team remain unbeaten, 2nd in the table behind Golborne 2nds with a game in hand. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 2nd XI were in cup action at Denton St Lawrence in the last 16 of the 2nd XI Premier Cup. Bury won the toss and chose to bat and after the 188 opening stand for the 1st team on Saturday, there was an opening stand worth 107 in just 16 overs on Sunday between Nathan Ramsay (66) and Joe Mitchell (30). Ghalib Sarosh then batted through the remaining 29 overs for 65*, and he was supported by Zain Khan (26) at the back end of the innings to help Bury to 250/7 from their 45 overs. For the second day in a row, the 2nds had their opponents at 0/1 in the first over, with Ramsay taking a juggling catch off Matt Metcalfe's bowling with the fourth ball of the innings. Joe Mitchell took a catch tracking back at mid off to give Zain Khan the second wicket at 69/2 after 14 overs. However, DSL captain Kyle O'Reilly (86*) and Daniel Moss (101*) put on a batting masterclass with the home side chasing the 251 target in just 32.5 overs, to send the Division 2 side through to the Quarter Finals. (Scorecard) (Main Photo: Royton CC) Denton St Lawrence 2nd XI v Bury 2nd XI
Both the second and third XIs picked up bonus point victories on another warm weekend of action. The 2nd XI travelled to a sun-glazed Alexandra Park in South Manchester to take on Friends Sporting Club 1st XI. Nathan Ramsay won the toss and chose to bat but Bury were soon in trouble at 13/4 inside the first 7 overs, which became 40/6. However, from that point onwards Bury grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with Aaron Davies (28 from 16) and Patrick Potts putting on 51 runs for the 7th wicket in just 5 overs, and another 40 was added for the next wicket with Mohammed Majid (35 from 22) also going all-out-attack. Potts well 2 short of a quickfire 50, and a further 31 runs were added for the last wicket between Faiz Amjad (18) and Matt Metcalfe, and so Bury were bowled out for 187 in just 30.4 overs. The home side were in trouble early in their innings, with wickets for Majid and Metcalfe reducing them to 3/3 and then 23/5. There was some recovery, before Patrick Potts completed a good day all-round by taking 3/16 in his 4 overs. Friends Sporting were bowled out for 86 to give Bury a 101 run victory and all six points. (Scorecard) On Sunday the 3rd XI hosted Deane & Derby for their Sunday Premier clash. The visitors chose to bat first on another hot day, and started well at 82/2 in the 17th over. However, a terrific spell from Josh Bowen, who ended with personal best figures of 6/43 from his 10 overs, turned the game on its head with Deane & Derby 10 overs later on 119/9. Issa Patel (35*) and Suleman Jiva frustrated Bury and kept them in the field for another 11 overs, before Will Moore bowled the latter, Deane & Derby all out for 162. For the second week running there was a strong start to the innings with 49 runs on the board for the first wicket between Scott Worswick and James Towey. 84 runs were on the board when Towey was given lbw 5 runs short of a half century, and then James Weston (42) and Muhammad Bilal (35*) put on 67 for the third wicket, and put the game to bed. Bury came home with 4.1 overs remaining, for the loss of just 3 wickets which secured the winning bonus point. (Scorecard) On Saturday, there was a below-par performance from the 1st XI which resulted in a narrow loss to Stand. After choosing to bat first, Bury lost regular wickets and only Ben Gorton (36) and Gary Garner (34) reached double figures for the home side, who were bowled out for 125. Stand looked to be making light work of the below-par total, with 71 runs for the first wicket between Jack Delaney (34) and Chris Williams (56). However, once the first wicket fell Bury grew into the game, and Alex Breckin took a hatrick when returning from the Bury Church End. He took the wickets of Long and Catterall before waiting an over for the hatrick ball, when Matthew Morgan was given lbw to complete the trio. Alex went on to take 5/39 but Bury proved to not have enough on the board as Stand eventually got over the line for the loss of 7 wickets (meaning Bury took a losing bonus point). (Scorecard)
It was another busy weekend of action, in particular for the 1st XI who picked up two impressive victories. On Friday night, the T20 campaign got underway for the Bury Bullsharks away to the Woodbank Wildboyz. A partnership of 55 between Gary Garner and Ammar Baig (41) for the second wicket gave the Bullsharks a good start to their innings, and Alex Breckin (21) cashed in on a couple of free hits to see the 100 come up for the loss of 3 wickets after 13 overs. However, the Wildboyz had the better of the final 7 overs, with less than 6 an over scored, and so the Bullsharks finished on 139/6. Woodbank started superbly with 42 runs on the board in the first 4 overs. Mukhtar Nasir bowled Will Turner (27), and then Ali Hassan and Jacob Ramsay (4/18) ripped through the middle order. Ali Hassan ran out key man Gavin Nicholl with a tidy piece of work, before taking 3 catches at short third man off Ramsay's spin bowling, claiming the wickets of pro Imran Mirza, Ryan Barker and Jack Wynn. The cluster of wickets stalled the scoring and the Wildboyz eventually finished on 108/9 to give the Bullsharks a perfect start to the group stage with a 31 run win. (Scorecard) On Saturday, for the second home game in a row, the 1st XI defeated the previously unbeaten league leaders. After beating Bradshaw two weeks ago, this time it was Denton West who were the visitors and they won the toss and chose to bat. Andrew O'Brien top scored with 69 but only 2 other batsman made double figures as West were bowled out for 160. Sam Nolan-Massey bowled an economical spell (15-5-26-2) and Ammar Baig was the pick of the bowlers with 4/18 in just 4.4 overs. Ben Gorton's second half century of the season held the run chase together and Bury never looked in any danger of not reaching the target, eventually winning by 4 wickets with more than 7 overs remaining. (Scorecard) The 2nd XI were in action at Unsworth against Worsley 2nd XI, and made light work of their opponents to pick up 6 points. Worsley batted their 45 overs for a patient 87-8, with the wickets shared around. Bury bowled 25 maidens, 10 of which came from Matt Metcalfe (2/13), and there were also 2 wickets for Zain Khan (2/5) and youngster Faiz Amjad (2/16) on 2nd team debut. Nathan Ramsay scored a quickfire 54 before being stumped off a wide, and Joe Mitchell and Syed Hashmi saw Bury home by 9 wickets inside 21 overs. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI were in cup action away at South West Manchester. After choosing to bat first, Bury had a solid start to their innings with just two wickets lost in the first 20 overs with openers Scott Worswick (21) and Joe Mitchell (29) both in the runs. After a small middle order collapse, Ali Ammar (32) and Mo Shah put on 44 from 28 balls for the 8th wicket to push the score towards 150, with Bury eventually finishing on 146. The game was in the balance for a majority of the 2nd innings, with Josh Bowen and Mohammed Usman picking up a couple of wickets each, but the home side didn't lose another wicket from 90-5 and it is they who will progress to the second round. (Scorecard) This week, on Thursday, the Bullsharks are away to the Walshaw Warriors. On Saturday, the 1st XI are at home to Stand, the 2nd XI are away to Friends Sporting Club and on Sunday the 3rd XI are at home to Deane & Derby.
Our Crowdfunder has now closed and a massive thank you goes to everyone who made a donation or purchased a reward. Every penny that we raised will go towards helping the club recover from the pandemic, and improving and maintaining our facilities for our members. The final figure raised was £18,237, which included 15 match ball sponsorships, all 60 raffle tickets and the £5k match funding from Sport England, smashing both our initial £10k target and our £15k stretch target! If you purchased a reward that requires further action (such as a match ball sponsorship), we have begun the process of contacting our supporters and if you haven't already, you will hear from us shortly. In particular, we would like to thank our Main Club Sponsor The Mailing Room for their continued and loyal support during such a difficult 12 months financially.
It was a double weekend of action for the 2nd XI, and it provided two wins and plenty of drama. On Saturday, after the game was reduced to 30 overs due to a wet ground, the hosts Swinton Moorside batted first and put together 141/5, with the wickets shared between Mohammed Majid (1/33), Ghalib Sarosh (2/33) and Patrick Potts (2/51), which included 2 catches and a stumping from Leighton Santos. In response, Joe Mitchell (22) and Zafri Zafardeen (27) laid the foundations for acceleration later in the innings with 48 for the first wicket. Syed Hashmi's quickfire 25 kept Bury up with the rate but a flurry of wickets gave Swinton Moorside confidence going into the last over, with 11 needed with just 2 wickets remaining. A tight start from Bancroft left the equation at 10 needed from 4, before Zarqash Ali hit back to back boundaries, and the scores were level with one ball to come. Ghalib Sarosh (27*) hit the final delivery to the boundary to complete the run chase and maintain the unbeaten league start. (Scorecard) On Sunday, it was a trip to Werneth for the 1st Round of the 2nd XI Premier Cup. Bury batted first but Werneth were well on top after the powerplay, with Bury at 16-3 after 10 overs. Nathan Ramsay (47), Joe Spencer (27) and Usama Akram (19) rebuilt the innings well before what proved to be a crucial last wicket partnership worth 27 between Muhammad Bilal (16*) and Harry Williamson saw Bury reach 159 before being bowled out in the final over of the innings. Werneth never looked to be on track in their innings, slipping to 70/8 after 25 overs with wickets shared around, however, number 7 Basharat Khan took the game to the Bury bowlers scoring a quickfire 50*. His knock pushed Werneth to 116/8 with 12 overs to go but the rain came in and forced play to be halted. It would not relent and Bury progressed to the second round of the cup with Werneth behind on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Par Score. (Scorecard) Back on Saturday, the 1st XI travelled to Glossop for their league clash. Glossop batted first and Leciestershire batsman Harry Dearden took the game to Bury, scoring 97 from just 63 balls. Oliver Kenyon (62) and overseas Ruman Ahmed (46) were also in the runs, and Glossop scored 269/9 from their 46 overs. Ahmed Matloob was in the wickets in his second spell, finishing with 4/33 from 8 overs. Ben Gorton (43) started well with the bat but regular wickets thwarted Bury's chances of an unlikely run chase, and Dearden took 4/35 on the way to bowling out Bury for 124. (Scorecard) On Sunday, an inexperienced 3rd XI hosted Glodwick at Radcliffe Road. Glodwick opted to bat first on a damp wicket and Bury's young bowling attack performed well to restrict them to 151/5 from their 36 overs, with 2 wickets for Marcus Eaton and one each for Mohammed Shah and Will Moore. The rain came in during the tea interval which meant no further play was possible, and both teams took 2 points. (Scorecard) This week, the Bullsharks hope to get their T20 campaign underway following last week's washout, with an away game against the Woodbank Wildboyz on Friday. On Saturday, the 1st XI take on league leaders Denton West at Radcliffe Road, with an earlier 12pm start due to the Champions League final. The 2nd XI are back at Unsworth to play Worsley 2nd XI (1:30pm start), and the 3rd XI begin their cup defence on Sunday at South West Manchester (1pm start). Gallery: (Main photo: Glossop 1st XI v Bury 1st XI) Swinton Moorside 2nd XI v 2nd XI (Pictures @burycc Instagram) Werneth 2nd XI v 2nd XI (Picture @burycc Instagram)
It was a perfect weekend on the pitch for our senior sides with 3 wins from 3, on a weekend when most other games didn't take place. The 1st XI kicked off the weekend with an impressive 54 run (DLS) victory over previous league leaders and unbeaten Bradshaw. Winning the toss and bat first after a 2 hour rain delay, Bury started on the front foot with Ben Gorton (43) and Mukhtar Nasir (63) taking the game to the visitors from the get-go. Ammar Baig added a quickfire 24 just before the players were taken off the pitch due to the weather, and tea was taken. The rain quickly passed and Bury scrambled upto 180/6 from their 34 overs. An early run out from Jacob Ramsay started the second innings well, but a partnership of 47 between Brad Yates and Tom Liversedge threatened to give Bradshaw the foundations to accelerate. Yates' wicket was taken by Sam Nolan-Massey before familiar opponent Brett Ernst was sent on his way in unusual circumstances. Liversedge chipped a Ahmed Matloob delivery straight back to the bowler, only for him to drop the simplest of catches and the ball landed on the non-striker's stumps where Ernst was out of his crease. Regular wickets continued to fall from that point onwards, with Nolan-Massey (3/39) and Matloob (3/40) again both impressing, and Bradshaw were bowled out for 126 to seal a comfortable win. (Scorecard) Over at Unsworth, the 2nd XI entertained Bolton Indians. Batting first, Bury scored 153 in a 40 over game, with Ghalib Sarosh (48) and Zafri Zafardeen (31) starting the innings well, before Joe Spencer (38) launched a late assault after a mini-collapse. Bolton Indians had a patient but solid start to their innings with only 1 wicket lost in the first 20 overs, but the opening spells from Mohammed Majid and Ali Hassan had kept things tight with less than 50 runs on the board. With 10 overs to go, the visitors needed around a-run-a-ball with 7 wickets remaining, but wickets shared between the 4 bowlers, despite a number of dropped chances, saw them fall 34 short of victory having been bowled out, to continue the 2s' perfect start to the season. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rds picked up their first win of the season in a unforgettable and unusual game of cricket at Greenfield. Winning the toss and batting on a damp wicket, Bury slipped from 41-2 to 63 all out inside 26 overs, with only Nathan Ramsay (30) making a score of note, and chances of victory looked very slim at the interval. However, superb opening spells from Harry Williamson and Lee Halliwell brought Bury firstly into the game, and then well on top. Williamson took 5 wickets in his first 4 and a half overs, which meant the hosts were 5-5, and then Halliwell (8-5-6-3) joined the party with 3 wickets in an over to make the score, unbelievably, at 5-8. Meanwhile, young opener Will Jackson was still at the crease for Greenfield, and he was joined by the experienced Peter Gill. The duo, despite a chance being put down with the score on 13, steadied the ship and put on 48 runs for the 9th wicket, before Gill was very well held by Scott Worswick at mid off, in what proved to be a match winning catch. Williamson returned to the attack to take the final wicket, finishing with figures of 6/6 in 7.2 overs, and Bury had won by 7 runs. (Scorecard) This week, the T20 campaign for the newly named Bury Bullsharks gets underway at Prestwich on Thursday. On Saturday, the 1st XI travel to Glossop and the 2nd XI are at Swinton Moorside. The 2nds are also in action on Sunday in the cup away to Werneth, and the 3rd XI play at home to Glodwick. Unsworth CC: Bury 2nd XI v Bolton Indians 2nd XI
Our Derek Kay Cup campaign was ended at the first hurdle on Sunday following defeat to Monton in a rain affected game. Bury won the toss and chose to bowl first, and Monton made the most of their powerplay, with 65 runs on the board before the first wicket fell thanks to an excellent catch from Mukhtar Nasir, diving backwards at mid off, to give Sam Nolan-Massey his first of what would be a superb spell with the ball. Both those two were involved in the wickets soon after, with Ali Nawaz given lbw to Sam (9-2-19-2) and Mukhtar running out Chris Costa with a direct hit just 2 balls later. Rain interrupted play later in the innings, with 37.2 of the 45 overs played, and the game was reduced to 41 overs. Opener Ben Chapman reached a ton with the last ball of the innings, diving in for a tight two to reach three figures, as Monton finished on 183/8. Duckworth-Lewis worked it's magic and Bury initially required 193 from their 41 overs. Mukhtar Nasir and Jacob Ramsay got the scoring heading in the right direction, but a flurry of wickets left Bury at 56-4 after 12 overs. Alex Breckin and Dom Morris got the scoreboard ticking and heading towards the DLS par score as the rain started to fall more heavily, but a freak run out saw Breckin on his way following a hard hit straight drive from Morris and the slightest of deflections off the hand of the bowler McAvoy. The umpires brought the players off for a second time after 18 overs (with 20 needed to constitute a game), and the new target didn't work in Bury's favour, with 6 overs lost and the target reduced to 184. Morris (47), Ali Hassan (18) and Sam Nolan-Massey (14*) brought Bury within striking distance of the target, but ultimately fell 15 short of the target, meaning it is Monton who progress to the second round. (Scorecard) On Saturday morning, following heavy rain and more forecast, the league made the sensible decision to abandon all of the afternoon's games. Next weekend, the 1st XI welcome Bradshaw to Radcliffe Road on Saturday (1pm), the 2nd XI are in action at Unsworth CC against Bolton Indians 2nd XI (1:30pm) and on Sunday, the 3rd XI make the trip to Greenfield (2pm).
The 1st team got their first win of the season on Saturday with a comfortable home victory over Heywood, by 6 wickets, before a piece of club history was made on Sunday. On Saturday, 1st team captain Gary Garner won the toss and put visitors Heywood into bat. 3 early wickets for Alex Breckin put Heywood in early trouble at 33-4, with two key man in Bobby Cross and pro Amar Ullah both already out. A counter attack from Andrew Dawson and Sean Burrill saw 74 more runs added in 12 overs, but when Jacob Ramsay took a good catch to get rid of Dawson, it prompted a quick collapse to 156 all out. Alex took 5/52 from his 15 overs, and Ahmed Matloob took 3/33. In response, Mukhtar Nasir's brilliant innings of 88* ensured Bury never looked in trouble, and the target of 157 was reached with 6 wickets and 9 overs to spare, to get the 1st team's first win of the 2021 campaign. (Scorecard) Meanwhile, the 2nd XI took on Stretford 2nd XI down the road at Radcliffe CC. Nathan Ramsay won the toss and chose to bat first. Despite Ghalib Sarosh's 40, Bury looked to be in trouble as they slipped to 86-8, but a partnership worth 54 for the 9th wicket between Sajad Safi (39) and Matthew Metcalfe (20*) pushed the total to 147 after the 45 overs. Metcalfe also starred with the ball, taking 4/14 from his 10 overs, and wickets for Zarqash Ali, George Mills, Zain Khan and Josh Bowen - who took a wicket in his first over on 2nd team debut - saw Bury bowl out Stretford for 84 and take the maximum 6 points. (Scorecard) On Sunday, Charlotte Weston became the first female player to play a competitive senior game for the club in the 3rd XI game at Clifton. Older brother James made it 3 toss wins from 3 for Bury for the weekend and elected to bat first. Nathan Ramsay blitzed a quick 45 before being caught on the boundary, before Joe Mitchell (50) and George Mills continued a solid start to the innings, with only 1 wicket falling in the first 31 overs. Bury eventually finished their 40 overs on 154-8 as youngster Sam Winstanley took 5/16 for Clifton. In the second innings, Lee Halliwell took the wicket of talented youngster Zach Flaxman, and also appeared to get the wicket of fellow opener Dan Ainscough, but for the umpire to disagree with a caught behind appeal. Ainscough went on to reach an unbeaten 100 from just 73 balls as Clifton ran out winners by 9 wickets. (Scorecard) Next weekend, there is a double header for the 1st XI, with a league game at Monton on Saturday, followed by the reverse fixture in the Derek Kay Cup 1st Round on Sunday. The 2nd XI are at home on Saturday to South West Manchester.
The second team began their season with a home win over Winton in a low scoring game on Saturday, whilst the first eleven narrowly fell short of a big run chase. Gary Garner's men travelled to Flowery Field, where former Bury captain Sean Gibson won the toss and chose to bat first. Mike Finan (121) and South African Keegan Taylor (42) got the hosts off to a magnificent start with over 120 on the board in the first 20 overs. When Finan finally fell, caught on the boundary by Nathan Ramsay in the 32nd over, Flowery were 195/4, but Bury fought back well with only 64 more runs added before all 10 wickets were taken. Ahmed Matloob took 5/61, with his 5th wicket coming with the final ball of his 15 over spell. Ammar Baig (43) and Zafri Zafardeen (20) got Bury off to a solid start in reply, and the scoring started to accelerate with Mukhtar Nasir's quickfire 32 from 22 balls. Dom Morris (24) bludgeoned three big sixes and Ben Gorton finished unbeaten on 57 but Bury ultimately fell 28 runs short of the 260 target, being bowled out in 48.5 overs. (Scorecard) The second team were involved in a very different game at Radcliffe Road. Winton 2nds elected to bat first and were bowled out for 71, with George Mills being the pick of the bowlers with figures of 9.5-3-24-4 on his second team debut, and just second senior game. Bury's run chase looked to be stuttering at 32/5, but Usama Akram (22*) and Mohammed Majid (11*) saw their side home for the club's first victory of the season, by 3 wickets. (Scorecard) On Sunday, the 3rd XI were well beaten at home by Whalley Range. Umar Samair's unbeaten ton, together with William Morris' half century helped the visitors post 240 from their 40 overs, with Josh Bowen taking 3 of the 4 wickets that fell. In response, James Towey (34) and Zain Khan (22) put on 57 for the second wicket, but Bury fell well short of the target. (Scorecard)
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)
We are delighted to launch the Bury CC Crowdfunder and we would like as many of you to contribute in any way you can. We have set a target of raising £10,000 in the next five weeks so we need everyone to pull together to ensure we hit our target. The additional benefit of the scheme is that for every pound we raise upto half of our £10,000 target, Sport England will match it, so by buying one of our rewards you could be contributing double the amount you pledge! There are several rewards on our Crowdfunder page, ranging from £1 raffle tickets, through to various sponsorship opportunities. If you are a senior or junior player we ask you to pay for your annual membership as soon as possible via the crowdfunder page. As we have mentioned, by paying via this method we can potentially double our money via the Sport England match funding. (Please put the player's name in the delivery address.) If you are a parent, supporter or just someone with a passing interest in Bury CC then perhaps the ‘Friends of Bury’, Social Membership or one of the various other rewards might be of interest? Do you have your own business or know someone who does, and value the work we do in the community, then we have various sponsorship rewards that might be of interest. We know that lots of people already contribute a lot to the club, but hopefully between us - and by reaching out to people outside our usual circles - we can bounce back from the effects of COVID and put the club on a firm footing for the new season. Please pass this onto as many friends, family and colleagues as possible. The more we spread the word the better chance we have got of hitting our £10,000 target.
We are pleased to announce that both our practice nets have now been restored and secured, and are now open for our members to use. If you are using our nets outside of an organised training session, please stick to the 'rule of six' with a maximum of 6 people per net lane. If both lanes are in use when you arrive, please wait until one becomes free. Upon arrival, you must check in using one of the two QR codes on display on the noticeboard at the clubhouse. Please read through the below summary of the rules you should adhere to when using our facilities. A summary of the covid-secure rules for training and practice - Before attending any cricket activities or venues, all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators must self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms; A high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste. If you have one or more of these symptoms you should not attend any cricket activity and must follow NHS and PHE guidance on self-isolation. - People with health conditions that put them at increased risk should consider the risks of participating in cricket activity. - Spectators are not permitted at this stage of the lockdown easing, for matches or training sessions, with some limited exceptions (including adults needing to supervise U18s in a safeguarding role - where it is necessary for them to be present, supervising adults should not mix with others from outside their household or support bubble). - Personal hygiene measures should be carried out at home before and after use of the facility. - Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible and practice strong hand hygiene at all times. - All members MUST sign in upon every visit to the facility using either the NHS QR code using the NHS COVID-19 app, or via the Bury CC QR code via a google form – this is a legal requirement. The google form to enter your details is accessible via the Team App homepage. - A maximum of 6 people may use a net lane at one time and those who do not live in the same household should keep a 2m distance at all times. (This limit of 6 would not apply to a practice net on the square, where more social distancing is possible) - The clubhouse and changing rooms are not to be used - Toilet and hand-washing facilities can be accessed during organised training sessions using the one way system – in through the home changing room and out through the away changing room - Players should change and shower at home - Participants should bring their own food and drink - the kiosk cannot open under the current rules - Social interaction before and after playing cricket should only take place outdoors, and in separate and distinct groups consisting of up to 6 people or two households. - Sharing of equipment must be avoided where possible, particularly that used around the head and face, such as helmets. Where equipment is shared, equipment must be cleaned before use by another person. - No sweat or saliva is to be applied to the ball at any time - There should be no shouting, singing or spitting - Should wet weather interrupt the session, players should return to their own vehicles and/or return home
As part of the move to step 1B of the government's roadmap out of lockdown restrictions, we can now reopen our cricketing facilities to our members. Please take note of the below information. The first senior training session will take place on Thursday 8th April from 5:30pm. The first junior training session will take place on Tuesday 13th April. Junior parents will be contacted closer to the time with specific information. As mentioned in this earlier article, Chris Potts will sadly be leaving the club and the country later this week. On Tuesday 30th March from 6:30pm, there will be a short fielding practice session for those who would like to attend and this will be Chris' last night at the club. The nets will not be able to be used. We are continuing to work hard to prepare the nets for them to be open for our members to use for exercise under government guidelines (i.e. in groups of upto 6 people) but unfortunately due to covid guidelines and the work needed to be done to restore them to a safe condition after the winter, this is taking longer than we anticipated. We will communicate an opening date with our members as soon as we have that date. Please do not attempt to use the nets until this announcement, for your own safety. Please read the below key points on how training will operate. These rules may be adjusted during the next stage of the lockdown easing, which will happen no earlier than 12th April. A summary of the covid-secure rules for training and practice - Before attending any cricket activities or venues, all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators must self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms; A high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste. If you have one or more of these symptoms you should not attend any cricket activity and must follow NHS and PHE guidance on self-isolation. - People with health conditions that put them at increased risk should consider the risks of participating in cricket activity. - Spectators are not permitted at this stage of the lockdown easing, for matches or training sessions, with some limited exceptions (including adults needing to supervise U18s in a safeguarding role - where it is necessary for them to be present, supervising adults should not mix with others from outside their household or support bubble). - Personal hygiene measures should be carried out at home before and after use of the facility. - Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible and practice strong hand hygiene at all times. - All members MUST sign in upon every visit to the facility using either the NHS QR code using the NHS COVID-19 app, or via the Bury CC QR code via a google form – this is a legal requirement. The google form to enter your details is accessible via the Team App homepage. - A maximum of 6 people may use a net lane at one time (when they are open) and those who do not live in the same household should keep a 2m distance at all times. (This limit of 6 would not apply to a practice net on the square, where more social distancing is possible) - The clubhouse and changing rooms are not to be used - Toilet and hand-washing facilities can be accessed during organised training sessions using the one way system – in through the home changing room and out through the away changing room - Players should change and shower at home - Participants should bring their own food and drink - the kiosk cannot open under the current rules - Social interaction before and after playing cricket should only take place outdoors, and in separate and distinct groups consisting of up to 6 people or two households. - Sharing of equipment must be avoided where possible, particularly that used around the head and face, such as helmets. Where equipment is shared, equipment must be cleaned before use by another person. - No sweat or saliva is to be applied to the ball at any time - There should be no shouting, singing or spitting - Should wet weather interrupt the session, players should return to their own vehicles and/or return home
Chris Potts has announced that he will be leaving the country permanently later this week. 'Pottsy' has called Bury CC his home club for a decade - in which time he has taken over 320 wickets and scored over 700 runs. He has captained the 2nd XI for a number of years in both the BDCA and the GMCL - achieving back-to-back promotions with the 2nd XI in the GMCL in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, he captained the 3rd XI to win the Sunday cup competition, and has played a significant number of 1st team and T20 games for the club. But everyone who knows Chris knows that his contribution to our club and local cricket goes much further than just his on-field achievements. Chris is a very popular man both within the club and amongst the hundreds of players he has come up against - whether that be for his magnificent sense of humour or for his famous Braai - and he will certainly leave some big shoes to fill at Radcliffe Road. Everyone at the club would like to thank Chris for his huge contributions to our club both on and off the field, and wish him all of the best for the future.
Player registration is now open for the 2021 season. Every player - both senior and junior - must complete this registration in order to be eligible to play any league games for Bury CC. Please read all of the below information and attempt to complete the registration as soon as possible. If you have any difficulties please contact james@burycc.co.uk. When registering you will need A personal e-mail address A card for payment of the £10 fee for all players over 18 A "passport style" image of your head and shoulders with no sunglasses or non-religious headwear which would prevent identification from the photo - this is for all players who will play Open-Age cricket The payment of £10 is for players over 18 only, but all junior and senior players will receive the below benefits once registration is complete: Personal Accident Insurance for all GMCL games including travel to and from the games they take part in - GMCL have already paid this insurance and this is in place ready for the season Free Premium Access to the cricHQ stats and videos through the e-mail address you register with. Registration is also open to club coaches and club officials (free) who will also be given access to the cricHQ app. Instructions When you click on this link you will be taken to the registration window for our club and ask if you are registering for yourself or registering as a guardian of a child under 16. If you registered as a player in 2020 and/or have an existing cricHQ account, then firstly sign in as prompted on the right hand side. This will then return you go the previous screen when logged in. Click on "Myself" or "My Children" - If the system recognises your e-mail address it will then ask if you want to link to your previous record on cricHQ (this can be corrected later if you have issues). If you do not want to link click on "Dismiss" or otherwise click on "Register Selected Players". This takes you to the next page where you do the basic registration - Enter name, initials, date of birth, gender then (Note - The initials are what would appear before your surname on the scorecard, e.g. if the initial is BG then the scorecard will read as 'BG Surname') add an image (optional for those not playing open age cricket); It must be a passport style, current, face forward, no headwear or face coverings, head & shoulders shot Then your ECB player type - this will be National Player for a majority of our players then add your professional or amateur status - for almost all this will be 'Does not apply' then your role - Official / Umpire / Player Where you have clicked on "My Children" - the page allows you to add more than one child and also asks for your details as parent / guardian When you click on submit - the system will show the image, your name and age and then ask you to select your subscription type and when selected it will show the cost. At the foot of the page are the GMCL & cricHQ GDPR policies and you click on the box to agree to the T&Cs & Club rules. At this point you can "Go Back" or "Submit" The payment process will follow You will then get another chance to double check, but the club admin can make amendments for you if needed. You will receive an e-mail to the e-mail address entered and you must verify your registration and claim your player profile. The league will review the registrations and notify the club if you fail to submit a suitable id photo, registration for the season will not be valid until the club administrator corrects the image. For a more detailed set of instructions including screenshots for each step then click here (note this re-directs to a GMCL webpage).
On Friday evening, the cup draws for our senior teams were made. Our 1st XI were drawn at home to Monton in the first round of the Derek Kay Cup. The game will be played on Sunday 9th May – one day after the reverse fixture between the two sides in the league. The 2nd XI, who play in the 2nd XI Premier Cup, were drawn away to Werneth’s 2nd XI. That game will take place on Sunday 23rd May. The 3rd XI, the defending champions of the Sunday Premier Cup, will travel to South West Manchester on Sunday 30th May. A senior players meeting will take place via zoom this Sunday evening at 7:00pm. This is open to all players in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd team squads, and all are encouraged to attend. Details have been circulated via the Whatsapp group chats.
On Thursday 4th March, the newly formed committee met for the first time. During this meeting, Gary Garner was elected chairman of Bury Cricket Club. Following this, Jules Spencer was elected as vice-chairman. More information on a changed club structuring will be communicated with members soon. We will need a number of new volunteers to spare some time throughout the season. James Weston was also selected as the third team captain for the 2021 season. There are a number of important notices that the committee wish to bring to the attention of our members: We are currently in the process of changing kit suppliers. Please do not make any more purchases from our previous club shop - all links to this shop have been removed from our social media sites. Details on our new supplier and a new club shop will be coming very soon. In order to get the ground ready for the start of the season, we are appealing for volunteers to lend a hand on the weekend of 10/11 April. If you can spare some time, please contact Dave Bowen or Gary Garner, so we can arrange a time in line with COVID-19 guidelines. In line with government guidelines, we can begin to offer outdoor training sessions from the week commencing 29th March. More details will follow on this prior to this date. The senior league season begins on 17th April and the junior league season will begin on 2nd May. More details on junior cricket will be shared when we have them. You can add our club calendar to your personal google calendar. You can do this by simply clicking here and following the on-screen instructions, or by visiting our club calendar page and clicking the '+' icon in the bottom right hand corner. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a particular team's fixtures via TeamApp. From the homepage, visit the calendar tab, select the team (or 'All entries' to add all games) and click 'subscribe' in the top left corner. Then follow the on-screen instructions to add the fixtures to your google calendar or iCalendar.
Bury Cricket Club This is not meant to be a newsletter or an official notice, but more in cricketing terms, a declaration. A declaration of thanks to two particular loyal members of Bury Cricket Club whose roles have now changed. Those who attended our virtual AGM will be aware, but to many of our friends and supporters who read our website this will be news for your appreciation. Wayne Belston is standing down from committee work for 2021. We would like to thank Wayne for all his past efforts which included being a hard hitting top order batsman on the field and a project manager off the field. He also provided us with, in addition, three excellent cricketers and a family legacy, It occurred to me that Wayne became a sort of a Mr Fix It. Should we need a new oversees player, a piece of kit, or a wicket cutting then Wayne was our man, to say nothing of arranging the North Wales tours during the last few years. A hard act to follow. We hope he will still have a presence and provide his expertise if ever we are stuck. We'll look forward to seeing him and his shorts walking around the boundary this season. The 2020 season was supposed to be one of celebration being the Clubs 175th anniversary and also marking 100 years of cricket on the Radcliffe Road ground. Our Chairman, Mark Smith, had grand plans for festivities to mark the occasion and we all know these would therefore have been carried out with determination, exactitude and flair. Alas, no such events happened, as it became a “ lost “ Covid effected season and in a strange way it seemed a good point for Mark to announce that he will now cease to be Chairman after 10 years at the top. We thus start 2021 with a fresh and hopefully fully innoculated committee. All members at Bury Cricket Club owe a great deal to Mark. If anyone asks what legacy Mark has left behind please accept the answer as “ Look around you ! ”. Pavilion, sightscreen , machinery, drainage, plus endless other stuff that a cricket club needs are now available, That is just the hardware, the software ( if that is the correct corresponding term ) being the Club spirit that Mark created. The pavilion became a place to gather and enjoy friendships, with the outfield an area to perform and defeat opposition. Thankfully Mark will continue on the committee and be evolved in projects as required. Of course, we must also acknowledge the efforts of Sue in ensuring Bury CC has a pavillion to be proud of. The shop, teas, and its faultless appearance is all down to Sue. Again we hope that these standards will be continued and we can count on Sue for future help. The departure of these stalwarts will leave a big hole in the operation of Bury CC for 2021. We are now preparing a list of activities and will need new volunteers to carry out these functions to keep Bury CC as a premier club. Remember we are an amateur organisation, and do not receive any benefit other than those generated by ourselves. We ask for everyone to help so don’t hesitate to come forward. Notice of this will be coming shortly. Meanwhile we look forward to a more “ normal “ cricket season this April. MKB
On Monday 22nd February at our Annual General Meeting, held virtually, the following positions were elected: 1st team captain: Gary Garner 2nd team captain: Chris Potts 3rd team captain: James Weston (elected during committee meeting on 4/3/21) Chairman: No nominations Treasurer/Secretary: Alan Breckin President: Mike Brawn Selection Committee: Senior captains & Matthew Metcalfe General Committee: Mark Smith Matthew Metcalfe Jules Spencer Dave Bowen James Weston Paul Belston Dominic Morris Mark Smith has stepped down as chairman of the club, a position he has held for a decade. Everyone at the club would like to say a big thank you to Mark for making our cricket club the club that it is today. Wayne Belston also stepped down from the general committee and another big thank you goes to him for his magnificent service to the club over many years. Finally, Jordan Smith has relinquished his duties as second team captain due to injury, and has also stepped down from the general committee. Our members will be aware of the government announcement on the same day, that included that outdoor sports facilities will be able to open and team sports will be able to resume from March 29th. We will await further instruction from the ECB and then the GMCL and hope to bring our members more information throughout the next month, as we look ahead to a (hopefully) full 2021 cricketing season.
The GMCL have now announced the format of this year's T20 competition, and the group stage fixtures. This year the Premier competition is split into 5 groups, 3 groups of 4 and 2 groups of 7 with each club playing 6 fixtures. Bury Storm have been assigned to the "Premier North" group, from which the top two will progress to the Quarter Finals in late June. Storm's fixtures have been added to the club calendar and the Team App calendar, which are fully upto date with the senior league fixtures and cup dates. Cup draws are expected soon and junior fixtures will follow closer to the season. To access the document explaining the competition structure click here. The T20 Fixtures are as follows: Friday 30th April : Bury Storm v Clifton Kingfishers Friday 7th May : Bury Storm v Heywood Monkeys Friday 21st May: Prestwich Heat v Bury Storm Friday 28th May : Woodbank Wildboyz v Bury Storm Thursday 3rd June ; Walshaw Warriors v Bury Storm Friday 18th June : Bury Storm v Whitefield Eagles (Stand CC)
In order to attend the 2021 AGM on Monday 22nd February at 7:30pm, you must register via the below form before 10am on Friday 19th February. Zoom details will then be sent out later that day, along with any documents from the Secretary. To register, please do so via the Google Form here.
Our Annual General Meeting will take place virtually via zoom on Monday 22nd February 2021, commencing at 7:30pm. Information on nominations has been circulated via our Whatsapp groups - please contact Alan Breckin for any nominations for any position with a proposer and seconder. Details on how to register to attend will be circulated via our social media channels soon.
The GMCL has now released all senior fixtures and cup dates for the 2021 season, with the hope of a full season being played. The 1st XI begin the season at home to Edgworth, as was originally planned for the 2020 season, in Premier Division 2 which promises to be very competitive, whilst the 2nd XI play away at Daisy Hill on the same date, Saturday 17th April. Stand-out fixtures for the 1st XI include a trip to Glossop on 22nd May, local derbies with Stand (home 5th June, away 21st August) and Walshaw (home 19th June, away 4th September) and a first GMCL meeting with Bradshaw (home 15th May), and end the season at home to Woodhouses on 11th September. In Division 2A, the 2nd XI have multiple local games with opponents including Radcliffe, East Lancs Paper Mill, Worsley, Tottington St Johns and Irlam. The 3rd XI will compete in the Sunday Premier Division, with opponents including Prestwich, Greenfield, Glodwick, South West Manchester and Westhoughton. They will begin the season against Oldham West on 18th April. Our fixtures for the 20-20 competition, and cup draws for each senior team, will be released later this month. All of our fixtures and cup dates can be viewed via the club calendar page, and fixtures will be added to the Team App calendar in the coming days. Now is a good time to re-install Team App if you removed it during the off-season, as this will be used on a greater scale during the 2021 season and is updated with latest news weekly. If you have not already set up a Team App account, then contact your team captain for more information. Please encourage friends and family to also download the app as a source of club news. Finally, the club would like to wish everyone a happy new year, and look forward to seeing everybody in a safe environment soon.
Bury Cricket Club is pleased to announce that Ben Gorton has signed as club professional for the 2021 Greater Manchester Cricket League season. Ben has scored 1383 runs for the club since he joined in 2018, including 10 half centuries and a high score of 165*, and has become a well-known face amongst everyone at the club whilst working with the junior section. We are also delighted to announce that Mukhtar Nasir will be re-joining the club for the 2021 season. Mukhtar scored over 1000 runs in the GMCL for Bury before he left to spend 2 years with Walshaw in 2019. He will also bolster our bowling attack, having taken 86 wickets in the GMCL era for the club. We can also confirm that both Alex Breckin and Ahmed Matloob have committed to their futures at Bury in 2021. Alex won the Division 1B bowling award in 2019 with 42 wickets at an average of only 9.05, whilst Ahmed impressed with the ball this season taking 15 wickets in 4 matches.
We have recieved notification that a club member who was in attendance at the 3rd XI match on Sunday (v Heywood) has tested positive for coronavirus. Those present at the ground on the day have been contacted separately to give them as much detail as is necessary. As a result the club will be closed and all cricket activity will cease for 7 days as per league protocols. We wish the very best to the person involved in their recovery. The committee has now also, given the worryingly increasing rates of COVID-19 in the region, come to a decision to end the season at this point. We would like to thank all of our members for their support throughout the 2020 season, which has seen us compete with 4 senior teams and 3 junior teams.
Bury Storm ended their GMCL15 campaign with a narrow defeat to Clifton Kingfishers on Friday evening, and there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Kingfishers captain and ex-Lancashire wicketkeeper Gareth Cross won the toss and elected to bat first, and Mohammed Majid took a big wicket with just the fifth ball of the innings, with former Flixton opener Luke Perry picking out Lee Halliwell at extra cover. The same two combined to take the other two key men - Adam Holt was bowled by Majid on 25 and Cross could only find Chris Potts from a Lee Halliwell full toss. However, Clifton found useful runs the whole way down the order and eventually reached 123-7 from their 15 overs - the highest total for any team in any of Storm's games this season. Majid Talib was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-11 from his three overs. Jacob Ramsay got Storm's innings off to a great start, with 40 runs on the board before the loss of Matt Donnelly (6) in the 6th over. After another quick wicket, Sam Nolan-Massey built a partnership with Jacob of 31 from 15 balls with both batsman striking the ball very cleanly, and Storm looked in a great position at 72-3 in the 9th over. However, a costly run out of Massey (20) brought the Kingfishers right back into the game. Joe Spencer, on debut, starred with 22* in a partnership of 42 with Jacob, before Ramsay was caught in the last over on 60. With 2 balls to go, Storm needed 9 runs but a dot ball followed by just a single meant that Storm fell 8 short of victory. The result means that Storm finish their GMCL15 campaign in 3rd position but held their own in every game - an impressive win over Prestwich Heat was the highlight and both Walshaw and Clifton won in the last over of the respective games. On Saturday, a much-changed 1st team suffered their first league defeat of the season at the hands of Edenfield. Bury scored 149-7 from their 40 overs, with sizeable contributions from Matt Donnelly (27), Zafri Zafardeen (30), Donovan Flaherty (25) and Gary Garner (38*) - with Garner ensuring there was 25 runs scored in the last 3 overs, including 2 sixes. A short rain delay in between innings meant Edenfield needed to chase 140 in 35 overs. Edenfield's run chase was built around pro Paul Gallagher (62), with a third wicket partnership of 51 with Mark Fallon proving to be vital. Wickets from Ahmed Matloob saw the visitors slip to 88-5 but this time it was Harry Fallon who put on 36 with Gallagher, and Edenfield chased their DLS target with 3 wickets and 5 balls to spare. On Sunday, the 3rd XI suffered a defeat away to local neighbours Walshaw. As was the story in the reverse fixture, Josh Allum and Sam Openshaw started strongly for the hosts, and the score was 90-2 in the 15th over when they were both back in the shed. Bury fought back well to reduce Walshaw to 151-9 with 3 wickets each for Mohammed Usman (10-0-26-3) and Josh Bowen (7-2-25-3) in excellent tight spells, but a last wicket partnership between Tom Nally (29*) and Raess Khan (41*) pushed Walshaw upto 216-9 in an expensive last 4 overs. Bury's run chase got off to a tough start at 2-2 with the experienced heads of Arshad Raza and James Towey failing to score. Joe Spencer built on his excellent showing on Friday to hit a run-a-ball 33 and he fell in the 11th over at 49-3, which became 49-4. A 5-th wicket partnership of 53 between Joe Mitchell and James Weston (18) pushed the total past the ton, and then Joe Mitchell passed 50 for the second time this season, in two third team appearances. Aaron Davies' entertaining tenure at the crease resulted in his highest score in a competitive game for the club, but Bury were eventually bowled out for 151. On Monday, a T20 XI took on Prestwich in a fundraising T20 game for Bury Hospice. A enjoyable game played in good spirits included highlights of Gary Garner's two wickets in two balls and Patrick Potts' 21*.
4 wickets in 5 balls from on-field captain Chris Potts led the 2nd XI to a 4th win from 4 and move 11 points clear at the top of Division FF at the half-way point of the season. Having being inserted to bat first by Astley & Tyldesley, in a game that remarkably started on time despite the heavy rain throughout the rest of Greater Manchester, Bury built some early partnerships to make it hard work for the home bowlers. Each of the top 5 reached double figures, with number 3 Leighton Santos making 33 in his typical quickfire manner, with Bury reaching 100 for the loss of 4 wickets in the 27th over. However, James Carr took 3 wickets in the 28th over to spark a middle order collapse, and the threat of a decent total being posted by Bury seemed to have been vastly reduced at 103-7. Chris Potts (20) joined Donovan Flaherty at the crease, and the pair put on 40 runs inside 8 overs to push Bury towards 150 when Potts was adjudged to be short of his ground in a tight run out. Joe Spencer supported Flaherty who followed up his 35 last week with an unbeaten 38 and Bury eventually reached 163 when they were bowled out in the last over. Astley & Tyldesley's openers looked to take the game to Bury early with 49 runs on the board before Potts took the first wicket in the 10th over. Opening batsman David Harrison passed 50 and A&T were only 2 down when they passed 100, some 5 overs earlier than Bury passed the same total. However, two overs turned the game on its head. Firstly, Joe Spencer bowled the experienced Tony Kelly with an excellent moving delivery, and then picked up the new man lbw 3 balls later. 3 overs later, Chris Potts took centre stage. With the first ball of the over, he bowled Harrison (55) with a wicket that brought Bury back into the game. The feat was repeated with the next two balls, both bowled and Potts had a hatrick and A&T were on the ropes at 116-7, having been 109-2 10 minutes earlier. Owen Broughton managed to keep out his first ball but the fifth ball of the over saw another wicket, with Donovan taking the catch at short extra cover, to give Potts his fifth wicket, and fourth of the over. Pemberton and Vickers still threatened a late A&T comeback but Lee Halliwell took a deserved first wicket to make it 138-9 and then Joe Spencer bowled the number 11 to wrap up another 5 points for the 2nds, who move 11 points clear of 2nd placed A&T. The other game in the division was abandoned: At Radcliffe Road, the 1st XI game with Heywood was abandoned by 1:45pm - the ground was fit to play despite persistent drizzle an hour before but two very heavy showers ended any hopes of getting a reduced overs game underway. On Sunday, the 3rd team game at Clifton suffered the same fate, with the game called off by 11:30am. This week, Bury Storm play their final game of the season at home to Clifton Kingfishers - a win will see Storm finish 2nd in the group behind winners Walshaw Warriors. The game starts at 6pm and will be covered by Roch Valley Radio. On Saturday, the 1st XI host Edenfield at the Archway Oval, whilst the 2nd XI take a week off. On Sunday, the 3rd XI are away at Walshaw and on Bank Holiday Monday, a T20 XI will represent Bury at Prestwich in a Bury Hospice fundraising day - our game will be played at approx 1pm.
Both the 1st and 2nd teams made it 3 wins from 3 games in the league, with 6 point victories on Saturday, after Bury Storm recorded another win on Friday. Whitefield Eagles (Stand) were the visitors to the Archway Oval on Friday night and batted first having won the toss. Sub pro Anwar Ul Haq batted through most of the Eagles' innings for his 46 and was supported by Steven McGuinness (19) as Bury were set 90 to win from their 15 overs. Despite the loss of two early wickets, Storm were always meeting the asking rate of 6 runs per over, with Ben Gorton's 29 setting the run chase at the correct pace. However, at 59-6 Storm looked to be struggling, but a partnership between Matt Donnelly (12) and Gary Garner (17*) ensured Storm got home with 5 balls to spare - the 3rd win from 4 games. With Walshaw tieing with Prestwich on Thursday and Prestwich beating Clifton on Friday, Storm can still win the group going into the last game with the Clifton Kingfishers on Friday 28th August, but will need results to go their way between now and then: On Saturday, the 1st XI were away at Brooksbottom, and were asked to bat first after Gary Garner lost the toss. Once again, Sam Nolan-Massey and Alex Breckin had excellent starts with the ball - Alex's first 4 overs were all maidens and Brox were 3 down by the time Mohsin Iqbal attempted to hit Breckin out of the attack with a quickfire 22, when he was stumped in Ahmed Matloob's first over. There was little resistance from the Brox bating order, with only 3 batsman making it to double figures and Matloob ripped through the middle order, finishing with figures of 5-0-28-5. Breckin (8.5-6-18-4) cleared up the tail as Brooksbottom were all out for 86. Captain Garner opened the batting with Ben Gorton and never looked in any trouble, with an opening stand of 79 sealing the game for Bury. Garner and Zafardeen fell just before Dom Morris hit 2 boundaries in his first 3 balls to end the game in the 21st over - a 8 wicket and bonus point victory for the 1s. That results means Bury sit top of Division L, 6 points ahead of nearest challengers Heywood who visit Radcliffe Road on Saturday: At the Archway Oval, Bury 2nds batted first and a second wicket partnership of 88 between Hamzah Hussain (51) and Zain Khan (39) got the innings off to a good start within the first 20 overs. There were also sizeable contributions from Donovan Flaherty (35), Patrick Potts (29) and Chris Potts (14) as Bury batted out their 40 overs, setting Bolton Indians 183 to win. A slow start from our opponents built the pressure on the batsmen, and Bolton Indians never threatened Bury's total, finishing on 103 all out with 2 wickets each for Usman Afridi, Chris Potts, Mohammed Usman and 3 for Patrick Potts (2-0-4-3), to make it a second bonus point victory of the day for Bury. Similarly to the 1st team, the 2nds now sit at the top of their division with 17 points from 3 games, 6 points ahead of next week's opponents Astley & Tyldesley. On Sunday, the 3rds had a day to forget with the bat. Having won the toss and choosing to bat, Bury fell to 45 all out against Elton, with 5 wickets for Chris Barlow (5-4-1-5). Wicketkeeper Ali Ammar (19) was the only man to reach double figures. Bury did take 3 wickets in the second innings as Elton didn't have it all their own way, with one each for Arshad Raza and Zarqash Ali and a run out for Will Moore, but Elton eased home to win by 7 wickets. That result leaves the 3rds in 5th position going into next week's game away to league leaders Clifton.
Week 3 of the shortened league season saw 3 wins in 3 for the club, in 3 different competitions. On Thursday night, underdogs Bury Storm made the trip to Prestwich Heat for our third GMCL15 game of the group. Storm batted first and were in all sorts of trouble at 16/4 in the 7th over, with Garner, Ramsay (X2) and Mirza all falling early. However, a superb 21 ball partnership worth 50 between Ali Hassan (30 from 12 balls) and Ghalib Sarosh (25 from 19 balls) brought to life a Storm resurgence, with 5 sixes between them. Wickets continued to tumble after that partnership, but Storm managed to reach 95 before being bowled out on the last ball of the 15 over innings. Prestwich Heat looked as though they were going to make light work of the total, with opener Danny Pawson hitting 2 boundaries and one six within the first 10 balls of the innings, however 2 wickets in 2 balls at the end of the second over from Usman Afridi (3-0-22-4), removing the two key men in Pawson and captain James Wharmby, revived Bury once more, with the score at 22-2. Heat never restored the momentum they started the run chase with, and an excellent spell from spinner Majid Talib (3-1-9-2) backed up by Ali Hassan (3-0-12-0) and Mumtaz Mirza (3-0-14-1) meant that Storm held on for an impressive 12 run victory, despite number 9 Nathan Bailey threatening a late charge. On Saturday, with no game for the first team, the seconds took centre stage and wrapped up 6 points within 3 hours of play against Unsworth. Unsworth batted first but only Jack O'Brien reached double figures as they were bowled out for 50 within 26 overs. Majid Talib once again shone, finishing with figures of 6.5-3-9-6, and the remaining wickets were shared between Ali Hassan, Chris Potts and Usman Afridi. Any slim hopes of Unsworth defending the total were quickly diminished in the second innings, with Joe Mitchell and Zain Khan starting strongly, with 25 runs on the board for no wicket within the first 5 overs. Adam Earnshaw took the wicket of Mitchell, but that turned out to be the only wicket taken as Bury eased to a 9 wicket win inside 14 overs. On Sunday, the thirds picked up their first win of the season in a close fought game with Heywood. Having won the toss and batted, Bury looked to be in trouble at 40/4 in the 16th over (including 14 extras), with Heywood's long boundaries proving that scoring was going to be difficult all day. However, remarkably Bury did not lose another wicket, with a superb partnership spanning 24 overs between opener Arshad Raza and wicketkeeper Ali Ammar rescuing Bury. The partnership was worth 124, with Raza becoming the third opening batsman in as many weeks to bat the whole innings for the club and finished on 78*, and Ammar (51*) reached a first Bury half-century in the last over of the innings, and so Bury posted 163/4. In the second innings, Heywood responded well to the loss of an early wicket for Zarqash Ali, with the young pairing of Matthew Dearden and Daniel Openshaw putting on 80 for the second wicket to frustrate Bury. It was Marcus Eaton who broke the partnership, bowling Openshaw for 31, and then Dearden fell an over later on the same score tro give Oliver Pomfret his first league wicket for the club. With the asking rate almost upto 6, scoreboard pressure meant wickets continued to be taken, with the star being Pomfret (10-1-45-5) who took a maiden five wicket haul in a 10 over spell. Captain Lee Clarkson (33) offered Heywood hope towards the end of the innings, but he did not have enough support at the other end, and when he fell in the 38th over, bowled by Zarqash (10-1-24-2), the game was as good as over, and Bury took a 15 run win. This week, there is a hatrick of games at the Archway Oval, with Storm at home to the Whitefield Eagles on Friday night, before the 2nds host Bolton Indians 2nds, and the 3rds are at home to Elton on Sunday. The 1st team also return to action on Saturday, away at Brooksbottom.
It was three wins from four games over the weekend for the Radcliffe Road men, with wins for Bury Storm on Friday, and for the 1st and 2nd XIs on Saturday. The weekend began early on a hot Friday evening at the Archway Oval, with neighbours East Lancs Millers the opposition in our second game of the 15 over competition, following a tight defeat to Walshaw two days earlier. Dom Morris continued his brilliant start to the season with another half century, 54 runs coming from just 29 balls. An unbeaten 20 from captain Gary Garner helped Storm upto 96-6 by the end of their 15 overs. The wickets were shared, with 2 each for Lee Halliwell, Majid Talib and Chris Potts, with East Lancs finishing 58 all out in the last over. On Saturday, the 1st team made it two wins from two in their bid to top Group L in the Saturday 40 over competition, with a 52 run victory over Tottington St Johns. Jon Wiggans was given a guard of honour as he went out to open the batting in the first innings - his final competitive innings before retirement. It was former Bury man Matt Smalley who claimed his wicket for the last time, given lbw for 10. Number three Zafri Zafardeen scored 26 but Smalley's 6-22 wripped through the Bury middle and lower order as they collapsed from 87-3 to 106 all out. However, much like last week, the run chase never got going for our opponents, with spinner Ahmed Matloob (10-6-17-4) opening the bowling and claiming the wicket of both Totty openers within his first 7 deliveries. Alex Breckin (10-4-14-3) was once again in the wickets, before Wiggans (2.1-1-1-2) was brought on to claim 2 wickets, including bowling Clive Brooks with the last ball of the match, and the last ball of his fine career. In the reverse fixture, the 2nd XI won a tighter game to get their league campaign off to the best possible start, with a 3 wicket win at Crompton Meadows. The hosts batted first, and wickets fell at regular intervals with opener Michael Proops (40) the only man in the top 6 to make more than 12 before he was caught off the bowling of Usama Akram, with the score at this point 93-6. TSJ recovered well however, with only 2 more wickets falling, both to Chris Potts (10-1-22-4), as they finished their 40 overs on 162-8. Joe Mitchell (12) was the first man to fall for Bury in the second innings, with a good take from Matthew Bradshaw off his own bowling. However, a 4th wicket partnership of 56 between Zain Khan and Usama Akram (33) swung the momentum back in Bury's favour, with the score upto 99-4 when Akram was caught and bowled by Kevin Hothersall. Small contributions from the lower order and Zain Khan's perseverance saw Bury over the line with 6 overs and 3 wickets to spare, with Khan finishing on 49* having batted through the whole innings. On Sunday, the 3rd XI suffered a 47 run defeat in a high scoring game at the Archway Oval to Heaton. Having won the toss and batted first, Heaton's talented young team scored 198-9 from their 40 overs, with 7 batsmen reaching double figures, including 48 from Oliver Lightbrown. Arshad Raza (8-0-32-3) was once again the leading wicket taker, with braces for Zarqash Ali and Mohammed Usman. After losing Raza early on, the Bury run chase started well, being at the required rate throughout the first 20 overs. Ghalib Sarosh scored a run-a-ball 27 and Hamza Hussain scored 46 from 49 balls before he was given out lbw. In the second half of the innings, momentum began to stall, and after the wickets of captain James Weston (24) and Joe Spencer (13), the required rate had become out of realistic reach. Zarqash Ali and Josh Bowen saw out the last couple of overs for the last wicket to ensure that Bury took one losing bonus point, finishing on 151-9. This week, Bury Storm continue their GMCL15 campaign with a trip to Prestwich on Thursday, before the 2nds host Unsworth at the Archway Oval on Saturday, with no game for the first team. The 3rd XI travel to Heywood on Sunday. Visit the Seniors page to view fixtures and results, with links to scorecards, match reports and league tables.
The 1st team defeated Edenfield by 159 runs in a much-awaited season opener, as the 3rd team also got their GMCL league campaign underway on Sunday. Despite heavy rain on the morning of the game, the 1st XI game at Edenfield started only half an hour delayed, with a 37 over game. New captain Gary Garner won the toss and elected to bat first, and Ben Gorton and Jon Wiggans got Bury off to a great start, capitalising on some over-pitched bowling, with the score reaching 47 before Wiggans was bowled by Ryan Barnes in the 8th over. Bury lost another two wickets without much further addition to the scoreline, before Dom Morris joined Ben Gorton at the crease. The two put together 67 for the 4th wicket, with Gorton passing 50 to add to his 9 previous Bury half-centuries, and then Morris put on a fine display of ball striking, with 5 fours and 7 sixes in his 80 from 65 balls. Bury were dismissed for 203 with 2 overs to spare. In the second innings, the difference in quality between the two sides was clear to see. Edenfield slumped to 18-7 within 12 overs, with Alex Breckin (7-3-8-3) and Sam Nolan-Massey (8-3-14-4) tearing through the top and middle order, with catches for wicket-keeper Matt Donnelly, Dom Morris, Jon Wiggans and Ben Gorton. New spinner Ahmed Matloob also impressed with the ball, picking up his first two Bury wickets (both caught by Dom Morris) and Lee Halliwell also picked up a wicket in his first over. Edenfield were bowled out for 44, completing a dominant display by the Radcliffe Road men. With no league fixture scheduled this week (due to an odd number of teams in their division), a 2nd/Friendly XI hosted Deane & Derby 2nd XI at Radcliffe Road. Zafri Zafardeen top scored with 32 for Bury as they fell 30 short of victory having bowled out the visitors for 111. Sunday saw the first senior league action of the year at the Archway Oval, as local rivals Walshaw were the visitors. Walshaw won the toss and elected to bat first, and started well, progressing to 80 before the loss of the first wicket in the 16th over, with Will Moore removing Openshaw (38) lbw. An excellent spell from Arshad Raza (8-3-24-4) brought Bury back into the game, which included 3 wickets in 4 balls, and a dropped catch in the middle of that on the hatrick ball. Former Bury 3rd XI captain Jonathan Stackhouse offered more resistance before he was dismissed by an excellent catch by Joe Mitchell at mid on for 26. Wickets for Zain Khan (8-1-25-2) and Josh Bowen (2.4-1-5-3) ensured Bury clawed their way back into the game, bowling out Walshaw for 164. The run chase started well for Bury, with Mitchell and Raza's opening stand worth 50, however they were two of only three Bury batsman to reach double figures as regular falling wickets stalled the run chase. Ali Ammar looked to take the game to the visitors, before he was caught on 18, which brought Bury back into the game once again, at this point requiring 63 more runs from 10 overs with 5 wickets remaining. Joe Mitchell reached a well-deserved 50 for the first time in the GMCL, but wickets continued to tumble at the other end under scoreboard pressure, with Bury eventually falling 27 short of the DLS target. Mitchell carried his bat with an excellent 70* from 102 deliveries. In all three games this weekend, all Bury players wore black armbands and a minutes silence was observed before each game, in honour of James Towey's mother Mary, who sadly passed away earlier this week. Everybody at the club sends their thoughts and prayers to James and his family at this difficult time. This week, Bury Storm begin the 15-over competition with a double header - playing away at Walshaw Warriors on Wednesday before welcoming the East Lancs Millers to the Archway Oval on Friday, where the Sports club bar will be open. Senior Training now takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6pm onwards, with Junior Training on Thursday evenings. The previous net booking system has now been ended, but the nets will remain locked up outside these training sessions, in line with ECB guidelines.
For those who haven't yet read through our Return to Cricket Risk Assessment, then you can view it here. Juniors Junior training will begin this Thursday 23rd July, junior managers will be in contact with parents before this time with more details. We are still waiting for junior fixtures to come out, we will get them in the next couple of days and these will be added to the club calendar on the website and on the Team App calendar. However, we do know that the junior season will start next Sunday 26th July, with each age group playing on their usual night/morning. Juniors will still be able to book a net session as before, for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, but these will be limited to one session per week per child and will be in the Net Area only, so there will be a limited number of bookings available. Sessions will be available to book this week from 5pm on Monday. Seniors We now have all of our senior fixtures, with the 15 over competition fixtures released - we start on Friday 31st July at home to ELPM Millers, and then go on to play Prestwich (A), Whitefield Eagles (H), Unsworth Dragons (A) and Clifton Kingfishers (H). All fixtures are available to view on the club website calendar and on the Team App calendar. As stated above, junior training will this year take place on a Thursday night. Seniors will have sole access to the practice wicket on the square on a Tuesday and Wednesday, but, at this current time, must continue to book through our booking system, and continue to follow the rules, with groups of no more than 6. They can also book net area sessions if desired. Sessions will be available to book this week from 5pm on Monday. Seniors can take part in a maximum of two booked net sessions a week.
As part of the GMCL's new player registration system, set up with CricHQ to try to reduce the number of instances of ineligible players taking part in league matches, each senior and junior player now needs to individually register themselves on the system. Every player/junior parent must register through this system before they will be allowed to play any senior or junior league matches that get underway next weekend. To register, follow the 'Player Registration' tab on the Team App homepage, or click here. There is a page of instructions before you scroll down and select 'Register for BURY CC'. The registration process involves asking you for an image - a head and shoulder shot. As part of the new league rules, every senior player and any junior who wishes to play senior cricket this season, MUST upload an image of themselves - there is a link to read through the GDPR policies on the form. For junior players who will not play senior/open-age cricket, uploading an image of the player is optional, but if not uploading a head and shoulder shot, you should upload the club badge. Please note that the image needs to include just you and must be a genuine picture - once you have completed the process your account will be linked with your previous cricHQ account and the new image will replace any existing images.
With less than 2 weeks to go to the start of the 2020 season, we now have received some fixtures from the GMCL. With the season shortened to 10 weeks, senior teams have been placed in regionalised groups of 5/6 where they will play each other home and away. Our 1st XI have been placed in 'Group L' with Heywood, Unsworth, Brooksbottom, Edenfield and Tottington St Johns. Following this weekend's friendlies, they will start the season away at Edenfield on Saturday 25th July, and finish away at Heywood on Saturday 26th September. Our 2nd XI have been placed in 'Group FF' with Astley & Tyldesley 2s, Unsworth 2s, Tottington St Johns 2s and Bolton Indians 2s. They start the season on Saturday 1st August away at Tottington St Johns. Our 3rd XI will play in 'Group JJJ' with Walshaw 3s, Heaton 3s, Clifton 3s, Heywood 3s and Elton 3s. They start the season at home to Walshaw on Sunday 26th July. You can view all senior fixtures on the calendar tab on the Team App homepage, or on our calendar or senior pages on the club website. We are expecting the fixtures for the GMCL15 (15-over comp), U9, U11 and U13 competitions in the next couple of days, these will be added to the calendar tab and this article will be updated when they are released.
We are now one week into our nets system, which has been successfully and safely implemented - our thanks goes to those who have booked a session and used the nets this week for their understanding of our protocols and co-operation. Ahead of next week's sessions becoming available to book from 5pm today (Friday 3/7/20), there are a few small changes to the system: - Sessions on the square will be extended to 75 minutes, as it is anticipated these sessions will be booked by larger groups. Net area sessions will remain 45 minutes long with one extended session available each evening - this seems to be about the correct length for junior pairings. - Booking slot timings will become uniformed across the week, with slots available at the following times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings: 17:30-18:15 - Net Area 17:45-19:00 - Wicket on Square 18:30-19:15 - Net Area 19:15-20:30 - Wicket on Square 19:30-20:30 - Net Area (Extended Session) - Members remain restricted to a maximum of two sessions per week, but the restriction on the number of bookings has been relaxed from one to two. - For all bookings, if there are any changes to the personnel who will attend the session after the booking has been confirmed, then the booking holder must contact the net manager to inform them of this. The net managers must know who is coming to the session in advance, and we must keep a correct register of attendence should we be contacted by NHS Test and Trace. - There will be an addition to the booking form - senior groups (only) that have space for more people to join (i.e. less than 6 members) will have an option to 'advertise' their slot for more people to join. This means that on the team app news article and on the nets page, where current available slots can be viewed, your names will be included on a time so other senior players can choose to join if they wish. Anyone who wishes to join this session must contact the booking holder (the first person named) who must contact the net manager to inform them of additions to their group. If you are currently unable to attend on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening but would like to have a net session, then please do not hesitate to contact the net managers. If you require a slot on a different day on a different time, we will try to work with you to make it happen in the coming weeks. Thank you to those who have provided feedback that have inspired the above alterations.
Following the launch of our booking system for senior net sessions on Friday evening, we are now pleased to be opening up this system for our junior members, in a restricted manner. In addition to senior groups of upto 6, we are also now taking bookings for: junior groups within households i.e. parent and child(ren) - there must be an adult present groups of two junior players from different households (as long as at least one parent is present throughout the session) To book a session for your child, you can access the booking system via our nets page. Please ensure you read through all of the protocols on this page and that your child understands them prior to the session. We have bookings available for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with the sessions for each week being added to the booking system at 5pm each Friday. Members should not attempt to use our net facilities other than during a pre-booked session. We hope to allow larger groups of juniors to train by age-group in the near future. More information on this will be given in due course.
As stated in the statement earlier this week, we are pleased to be opening the practice nets to senior players (initially) from next Tuesday 30th June. All players who book or will participate in a session must read through and agree to all of our net protocols, which you can access by clicking here, or by clicking on the 'nets' tab on our website or on our Team App homepage. The booking system goes live at 5pm on Friday 26th June, and you can book sessions for the week commencing Monday 29th June, with sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Each week, the system will stay live until the start of the final session on Thursday evening, or until all sessions are booked for that week, where it will go offline until 5pm Friday where the sessions for the following week will then be able to book. If you have any difficulties booking, then please contact one of the Net Managers, as named on the Nets page.
Following the results of the surveys sent out to senior players and junior parents in the last fortnight, members of the committee have been considering how we can open the nets safely and manage this system during the current climate. In order to safely open our net and outfield facilities to our members, we must implement a number of safety measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus in line with the latest ECB guidlines. This means: At all times that the facilities are open, there must be a club representative on site who is responsible for cleaning touch points and equipment before and after sessions Members can only gain access to the facilities at a specific time that is arranged via a booking system Currently, players can train in a group of upto 6 people from different households, and those who do not live in the same household must maintain a 2m distance at all times Only our outdoor facilities will be able to be opened, as the risk of infection is lower outdoors To ensure the distance is maintained, nets can only be used on an 'every other net' basis, meaning we can only open one net at this current time, in addition to a practice wicket on the square At all time that the facilities are closed, there must be appropriate signage to show this and the net facilities will be closed off and secured We are pleased to announce that we will be opening the net facilities to senior players (and juniors who play senior cricket) from Tuesday 30th June. Players will only be able to attend a session if they book in advance, using our booking system. This system will go live later this week, and will be accompanied by a list of protocols that those who wish to use the facilities must adhere to. Until this date, and at all times you have not booked a session, we must remind our members that the club's facilities remain closed. An update with regard to junior net sessions/training will be given in due course.
Club Statement 18/5/20 Club members will be aware of the statement released on Friday by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) that outlined strict guidelines regarding the use of cricketing facilities (which includes both practice nets and the outfield) in response to the changes to the lockdown made by the UK government last week. The committee has taken time to consider the guidelines and our ability, as a club, to safely implement such measures and have reluctantly come to the decision that the club's cricketing facilities (nets and outfield) will remain closed to all of its members at this time. This decision does not come easily and we appreciate that this may disappoint some members, but the committee was united in the belief that the safety of its members must and will come first. We will continue to review the situation going forward in these unprecedented times. In line with the ECB guidelines, we will be actively closing off the net facilities, and we ask that all members respect this decision. In the meantime, we advise everyone to keep safe by continuing to follow the government guidelines, and hope we see you all in the not too far distant future. The Committee.
This week, Wayne Belston looks back at the great 2nd XI JD Worthington Cup run of 2004... As in line with previous posts I was asked some weeks ago to write something that may act as a stimulus during lockdown, I’ve had many memories over the years on and off the field and thought of one that sits well with me for sure, having played a small part of our historic club and hopefully played my part along the way, I couldn’t help lean towards how proud I was to get us on the honours board and a particular time down at the club when the juniors were not only a feature of our club but had some “ bloody good ones” too I might add. Bury CC in my time have always been a club that promotes youth and non-more so than the year I was lucky enough to be captain of 1st and 2nd team. For my part the things that stick in the memory was at that time we had the perfect blend, players who wanted to play the game to the best of their abilities with a competitive edge, hard nosed experienced cricketers, a large sprinkling of talented youth and a touch of genuine class. My job was easy all I had to do was steer the ship and like a good hand in cards, play them in the right order. Some of the recollections are remenissions from past players and previous trips but the odd story during the cup run are still vivid and like yesterday, with the tech available I’ve included some score cards for those who may want to re visit “all our yesterdays”. 2nd Team JC Worthington Cup 2004 Rd 1 V Westleigh away (scorecard)- Having won the toss and deciding to field thinking we could roll this team over on a postage stamp type ground, a far cry from all the improvements that have benefited Westleigh today who boast a really nice ground, in those days parking your car at the side of the banking fell into the “at your own peril” as the wicket was often some 25 yard away from a leg side glance, I remember we rolled out someone similar to Rob Keen in that if he was available he made a big difference, Ibrahim Afridi ( La La) as he was known, related to recent junior members in Usman and Faheem clan, lets just say his visa at the time may have fell into the overstay category and we spent a lot of time as we are now - social distancing him away from the crowd , but boy could he play , for those going back in time he took a catch in a first team game when Dubs was pro Pete Allen was keeping and Jon Shaw was amongst one of our best youngsters against Lytham in Lancs KO, a one hand stunner low down in gully a few inches off the ground, great memories. A devasting spell in this first round of 6 overs 3 wkts for 15 runs sealed Westleigh's fate as we rolled them over for less than 100 and thoughts of us being back in Bury before 6pm was on the cards, as we know it doesn’t and didn’t quite work out like that, having made a real hash of getting into this target early and with less than 50 on the board and being 6 wickets down I can remember thinking how I was going to live this one down, fortunately we had Andrew Metcalfe dropping down from the 1s and Pete McCormack who was more well known for his bowling they both managed to get us home with a dogged determined knock and it ended with one of those games where we were secretly bragging that’s you lot sorted but in reality we were nervous as hell and on we marched into the next round. RD 2 V Deane and Derby away (scorecard) - Highlights not in any order, Dominic’s and Nicky’s delight at the ice cream van arriving shortly after tea , to this day best memories of teas there were the plain salted crisps and slightly sweet pickled onion strands and to pray for ice cream van to arrive at 4pm hopefully batting 2nd, I must have lost the toss as we fielded first, Amar was at his metronomic best he had the ability to move the ball around and threaten the batsman as well as force them into a rash shot. Dave Leech was his partner who I’ll save mentioning to later on in the Monton game, but ends with the same result 8 miserly overs for under 30 runs. I remember before the game we had a gangly young lad 6’5 all arms and legs and could extract a bit of bounce and could be useful at Deane and Derby we thought prior to selection hence Matts non inclusion enter our very own spiderman Danny McCaffrey, I can recollect it didn’t quite work for Danny on the day, he was like bambi on ice running down the dip and couldn’t find his rhythm early on and after 3 or 4 overs met the skippers equivalent of the shepherd’s crook, off you come son, 6 an over couldn’t cut it in this team we had a variety of options. To his credit Danny played his part and did what most up front bowlers do when brought off early came back and mopped up the last two wickets. 3 batsman for D+D scoring 30 plus and 180 on the board nobody really putting us to the sword and we came off relatively pleased. After the short feast I’m thinking we need a good start me and Rob Keen stroll to the wicket , their skipper Solly India Atcha had sized me up from previous and brought himself on to my surprise , ok I thought he’s brought himself on to get me with a slow one , he runs up off 3 paces and loops one that pitches on middle and leg, “ perfect I thought - all the cherrys on the fruit machine appear” and I duly obliged to swing and miss, he hit and the stumps are down, off the skipper walks having played his really small part, certainly first over could have been 1st ball. Little did they bargain for what was to come in the shape of an imperious innings from one of the best batsman that the MDCA had produced at the level, Rob was a player who over the years frustrated many including myself with his availability “ he was just so good he had to play” with his work commitments and part time DJ role it meant he could only turn out on a Sunday, on most occasions Rob played, we hoped we had the game won by 6.30pm because he had to be away to hit the decks at 7pm or just after depending where he was setting up in GMC. It was a master class of fluent stroke play, he had solid defence and scored all over the ground, he hit anything loose and hit it hard and had the nous to be able to count 6 balls in an over. James Mc Gahan was sent in to continue the plan of taking the game to the opposition early, only this time he executed the plan and took the responsibility on his young shoulders and wasn’t fazed, James fell into the talented youth category, his best performance with the ball was saved for the final, but for today it was with the bat and he gave Rob invaluable support and we had just shy of 100 on the board before he lost his wicket, Amar was in and out quickly but ball striking and keeping the tempo going and it was left to Paul Morris who fell into the hard nosed experienced category with a very well constructed support role to get us within touching distance, that was Paul’s best asset in this team similar to mine coming to the end of our careers but still very good at the level and had a real will to win, as well as being able to bat and get runs behind his name . Rob was in full flow and masterly negotiated his way to a magnificent 100 as well as getting us over the line, after being 1 for 1 knocking it off for 3 down, Rob quite rightly took the patios applause. I...
This week, it's Matthew Metcalfe's turn to turn back the clocks... I too have been asked to write an article for the website and as someone who has spent most of my time bumbling around in the foothills of league cricket, occasionally climbing some minor peak before meandering back off into another valley, it is not easy to find something to write about. So, taking inspiration from Mike and Paul, I thought I’d go back to the beginning; not quite as far back in the mists of time as them but the last century nonetheless. This season would (and hopefully still might) be my 23rd (I think) playing senior cricket at Bury. Like most people my age I guess their first recollections are playing cricket in the back garden; in my case it was my grandfather’s back garden using the little path that ran by the side of his garage as the strip. Looking back I don’t where my grandad got his love of cricket from coming as he did from inner city Salford. Moving on from back garden cricket I played at primary school and then joined Bury Cricket Club on the advice of my headteacher, Les Horton, who also played at the club. I played junior cricket from the age of U13 (there wasn’t an U11s when I started) being a moderately poor wicketkeeper. It was only at the age of 16 or 17 that I switched to being a moderately poor off spin bowler and I began playing Sunday friendlies. My abiding memories of those games is standing at mid off and having the ball hurled 40 odd yards or so from first slip by Speedy, accompanied by the occasional bellow of “keep it up” and “bloody hell” when it inevitably hit the turf. Looking back I now realise this was an act of kindness rather than the sadism I thought at the time. One of the first matches I played was a away at Pott Shrigley, probably in 1996. It was a baking hot day I got stung by a wasp and suffered heat stroke and they were the highlights. I came onto bowl and didn’t quite hit my length and this one batsman took great delight in hitting me into a field full of sheep, ironically at cow corner, repeatedly. Speedy offered his usual sage advice “better a full toss than a long hop,” so next ball a full toss was duly delivered. That too was despatched at a rapid rate of knots this time to the extra cover boundary, nearly cutting Dave in half in the process. I think the words “bloody hell” might have slipped from Dave’s lips. After two unsuccessful overs which cost somewhere around 35 runs I was taken off. Later I came in as last man with Moz at the strikers end and a step and fetch it bowler on. Moz hammered it straight back to the bowler who standing by the stumps was able to field the return and run me out without facing a ball. We lost by around 35 runs and the bowler... the very same batsman who had been peppering the sheep earlier. 1997 was the first year I regularly played 3rd team cricket and it was also the year we won the SC Reakes U18 trophy for the first time. I think every game we played the opposition were confident of turning us over given that they had one or two ‘superstar’ first team players who would win them the game on their own. Fortunately, it never quite worked out that way. It occurs to me that of that XI I am the only one left playing at Bury; I would think the majority are not playing any cricket at all. The following year I remember starting the season with 4,5 and then 6 wickets. I probably should have given up then. And that is the point, I didn’t I stuck at it; despite not being very good. I have had 22 years of moderate disappointment interspersed with the occasional triumph (the JC Worthington Semi Final 2004 v Monton springs to mind. We chased 240 in 40 overs at Bury. Seriously good cricket was played that day; or more recently when the 2nd XI chasing 250 odd at Glossop) but I’ve had a bloody good laugh at the same time. Looking back at that first 2nd XI dressing room containing the likes of Mike Bailey, Dave Burdis, Mick Hilton, Alan Breckin and Andy Mather it is a wonder I got out alive but I learned valuable life lessons and made lifelong friends. I have been lucky so far; the teams I have played in at Bury have been populated overwhelmingly with good people, who tried to play the game the right way and instil the correct values in the lads coming through. Admittedly, there have been a couple who would have tested the patience of saint (no names no pack drill) and who quite frankly I could have cheerfully throttled. But again that is the point; cricket teaches you tolerance and allows you to greet that professional halfwit, that lurks in every dressing room I’ve ever been in, with a handshake and a smile, safe in the certain knowledge that he will spend the next seven hours driving you up the wall. The other important thing that the members of that first dressing room taught me was that you always stayed for a drink with your opposition. At the time I had no choice as I was reliant on a lift home. It was in the bar that you learnt about the game; I have found most teammates and (opposition members for that matter) generous with their experience. You also discovered that for the most part umpires were human, did have a sense of humour and genuinely loved the game, could see 22 yards and definitely heard every insult. It was also apparent that the opposition were usually full of decent blokes which was not always obvious a couple of hours earlier. Sadly, this has slipped from the game and I think it is the poorer for it. Before I slip into “it was better in my day” mode I will draw to a close. Who knows when we will get back to playing cricket, but judging by how the weather god’s have been laughing at us recently, I expect the first game will be a washout. Until then stay safe and one final plea; can we change the dressing room music to a) something with words I can actually understand and b) a bassline that doesn’t turn my internal organs to mush. There, I admit it, I’ve got old.
As we reach the weekend which should have seen the start of the 2020 league season, Paul Morris takes the time to look back at how he got into cricket and some memorable moments... This title might not sound anywhere near as catchy as Bryan Adams’ Summer of ’69, but at least mine is more up to date. So, when I was asked if I would write something for the website in relation to something cricket-related, I immediately said yes but had no idea what I was going to compose or waffle on about. I don’t really have any specific recollections about games I’ve played in or something of that ilk, that I feel everyone might have an interest in. I could discuss coaching plans or ideas but there are already a plethora of them online and in that most old-fashioned piece of reference material, the book. So I was struggling. So over Easter, I found myself watching the Headingley Ashes Test again from last year, specifically that fourth day when Stokes got us over the line in that most dramatic of finales, (and yes Nathan Lyon, we are all still laughing now). What it did remind me of was what got me ‘into’ cricket in the first place which was, with curious symmetry, watching Beefy spank the Aussies all around the same ground in 1981 before big Bob Willis added the coup de grace with his 8-43. Back then I was just out of school waiting to go to college in the midst of the summer holidays and I can recall going into the back garden and hearing the radios on TMS as people tried to enjoy the sun, but stay in touch with the cricket. This series is what got me interested. What no one told me and was especially true of lots of cricket in the 80s and 90s was the Ashes of 1981 was an exception. Usually cricket was a sport where you could casually fall asleep in a deck chair and wake up a couple of hours later to find you had missed very little. That you lived most of the days from April to September watching the forecast for the forthcoming weekend to see if it was going to be necessary to wear 2 sweaters or 5. That you needed to ensure you had a kagoule as much as you might need a sun hat. Then I discovered alcohol and it all fell into place. Somehow, I stuck with it and even took a coaching badge aged 19 from the National Cricket Association which involved coaching kids aged 10-12 in a school on a Saturday morning where no one had turned o; the bell to signal the end of each lesson. This was not ideal for some callow youth who was just trying to ascertain the maximum levels of bitter that someone could drink on a Friday night and still be able to a) hold onto their breakfast and b) turn up on time to play at 12.30. I recall playing for the third team and for away games we had a lift in Dave Hindley’s van. This was another challenge as it was of the transit variety in which there were six chairs of various, dubious quality in the back, none of them fixed to the floor sort of like those emergency ones you get out at Christmas. This meant that any right or left turn you could come in very close proximity to the other two players either side and if we needed an abrupt stop, we could almost all join him on the front seat. I tend to recall incidents rather than any performances (maybe because there weren’t any) so please indulge me while I can recall a few. I remember going into the old changing rooms to get ready to pad up to find John Hill trying to slip into a pair of tights to go under his whites to help stave off the April cold. No base layers available back then, base layer was what your Dad applied to the garden shed and looked nothing like 30 denier American Tan. This sight scarred me from an early age and the rest of the game was a blur. I can recall Ross Manning in another game going to get sawdust from the scorebox and staggering back to the square with a bag over his shoulder like a Friday night drunk under the weight. Needless to say it was not sawdust, but sand which did not have quite the same absorptive qualities as we required and off he staggered again. One game Andrew Jones at backward point dived in to try to take the catch and nearly essayed a run out by heading the ball back to the keeper, not unlike the goal Van Persie scored for Holland in the World Cup that time. My favourite was when we managed to dismiss the opposition batsman in a game that was going right down to the wire and gathered in a group to celebrate to be met by Idris, who had run up from fine leg and grabbed both off and leg stumps out of the ground and was swinging them around like a some sort of demented wind farm in his excitement. This was until we pointed out that he needed to put them back as they were 9 down and the next batsman might need them. I am sure there were lots of other incidents over the years but these were the ones that stick in my mind and I apologise if these are before anyone’s time, but I’m sure you would agree it’s the characters that add the dapples of colour to the game. I suppose the point is that summer has always meant cricket, the two went hand-in-hand. The chance of being burnt to a crisp, wind-lashed and going home with trench-foot all in the same day has just been a little inconvenience. The hope of being bleached in the sun at an arm’s length from a cold beer was all the motivation I needed to keep me coming down and this year will feel so strange under current circumstances. Especially when we consider that this should be a season of celebration for everyone at Bury Cricket Club in our 175th year of existence. I still fondly recall the 150th year’s celebration and still have the sweater to prove it; I think I even got runs in one game. But things this year beyond our control have conspired against us and we have to get our cricket fix from past re-runs on Sky Sports or a dip of the mental toe into nostalgia. There is still hope that we can all get out and see or play some part in the summer sport we all love, but it won’t be that same as the year planned or maybe what we had hoped for or expected. So for now we all stay in touch and relish the time when we get to return to what we once had and maybe, took for granted. One thing is for sure, when the shackles do come off, the celebrations will be something. Meanwhile, the ground is looking in great shape:
With the start of season delayed by the Coronavirus Pandemic, club President Mike Brawn looks back to his early playing days... As we are still awaiting news as to when our 2020 season will start, my thoughts go back to my first ever game for Bury in the Manchester Association. In those days indoor winter nets were not common and due to a rainy wet spring outdoor practise and my chance to impress had been limited. In previous summers I had played for the 3rds in the North Manchester League or in Friendlies played on the top pitch at the Club. This was on a wicket which would now be located between the Rugby pitches, but in those days we had a full time paid groundsman who prepared everything. I now hoped for promotion at the start of the new season, third Saturday in April, into the Senior Sides. Selection then was on Monday nights and unless you came down to the Club to view the teamsheets you had to wait for Friday's Bury Times in the " Are you Selected " page to see which team you were in. There it was... Bury 2nd v Macclesfield ( away) M.K.Brawn. Meet The Royal 12:15. The Royal was a pub on Silver Street, used ( the Rugby Teams used The Two Tubs) as a meeting point for pre match drinks in days before the breathalyser and even formal league tables. The Royal no longer exists but seem to remember the building got revamped into a Lap Dance Club where I and others from Bury CC, were met inside by a young lady wearing just a piece of string. Anyway, back to cricket, and not wishing to be late, I arrived outside the Royal at 11:45. No one insight. After 20 mins of waiting a Club member I recognised turned up and greeted me by questioning " Are you playing ?? " and without hearing my reply disappeared into the Pub. After another 20 mins a bunch of cricketers emerged from inside, piled into cars, and we set off. In those days the Association was a very strong league and contained many of the top Cheshire teams such a Bramhall, Warrington and Grappenhall. Macclesfield away would be tough but we had in our ranks Bert Butterworth, the Clubs leading ever wicket taker, who had decided play in the 2nds after 20 years in the Firsts. In those days the game was a " Time Match " of 5 hours cricket with tea between, at the declaration which came whenever it suited the batting side, or unless they got bowled out. The rule of 20 overs last hour was not in force, as limited overs games were still years away. I don't remember much about the match itself except didn't bowl, but did catch two, fielding at point off Bert, as we skittled Macclesfield out for 100. Captain Basil Brown said that to win we only needed to score 10 runs each. Someone must have scored more than their share as I didn't bat either, but pleased we won. I did bat in the following matches, against Brooklands and South West Manchester and managed to score enough to be promoted to the Firsts to play against Wigan. My debut game for Bury was in 1957 due to an emergency. The 3rds, playing a Saturday friendly against Worsley on the top pitch and only had 7 men. My father, who was Captain, told me to get my kit on, (note: Scorers must always bring their kit) as he knew I could a least plug a gap in the field. My recent game was only last year, again in an emergency, for the 2nds as wicket keeper. Who knows what for 2020 or will it be 2021? This Saturday should be our Start of Season match. If anyone is interested I could write a note (simply to maintain some communication between us) on changes at the Club and of the game itself since my first ever game. MKB
Due to the current COVID 19 Virus and recent sports authorities’ decisions to suspend all competitions the Central Management Committee has taken the difficult decision to close the club whilst the pandemic ensues. This is to protect the staff who work here and the members from the virus. There will be updates on all section’s websites and the club’s own website. There will be no access to any part of the club during this period until further notice. Central Management Committee 20/03/2020
To add to the postponements announced yesterday, we can now announce that the Annual Golf Day, scheduled for Friday 1st May, has now been postponed and has been rearranged for Friday 25th September. Every team that has entered the golf day should recieve communication regarding this. Also, our Annual Walk held on Bank Holiday Monday at the end of May will also be postponed. This afternoon, the Greater Manchester Cricket League released a statement with an update on the latest stance. You can read this by clicking here . Summary of the key points: - The GMCL season will not commence as originally planned on 18th April - "We are unlikely to restart before the end of May 2020" - Junior season will also be delayed - When, or if, the season gets underway, there will be 'an alternative meaningful competition' for clubs who can and wish to play what is left of the season, with no penalty for any clubs not wishing to enter - As a result, the 2021 season will begin with same divisional placings as where planned for 2020
Following the latest government advice, the decision has been made to cancel all senior and junior training until further notice. Additionally, NatWest CricketForce Day, scheduled for Sunday 5th April, has also been postponed. The club urges everyone to follow the latest government advice to protect themselves and those around them, which can be found by clicking here. For the latest news from the GMCL on the virus, you can visit the GMCL newspage here.
This year, our NatWest CricketForce and signing on day will be held on Sunday 5th April from 9:30am. Everyone is asked to spare some time (even if just an hour) to get the ground ready for the start of the season - so get the date down in your diary! As always, this is also an opportunity to pay your membership fees in person in the clubhouse. As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we are also encouraging all players and supporters to attend the evening event following our Golf Day on Friday 1st May, which will include a 2 course meal, an excellent comedian, wine tasting and quiz. More information on this will be announced soon, but it is another date to get in the diary.
Bury CC are pleased to announce we are one of the only clubs in the area that will also be offering the new for 2020 ECB programme 'Dynamos Cricket'. Dynamos Cricket provides a fantastic next step for all those graduating from All Stars Cricket and the perfect introduction for all 8-11 year-olds new to the sport! Complementing junior cricket, Dynamos provides children with a more social offer focused on developing fundamental movement skills and applying them in an exciting game of countdown cricket. Registration is now open for our first summer of Dynamos. To find out more information or to book your child's place, then visit our Dynamo's Page . Registration for All Stars Cricket, which we will continue to offer for girls and boys aged 5-8, is also open. All Stars Cricket provides a fantastic first experience for all children aged 5-8 years old where they’re guaranteed 8 weeks of jam-packed fun, activity and skills development. The programme is designed to introduce children to the sport, teaching them new skills, helping them make new friends and have a great time doing so. Every child that registers will receive a backpack full of goodies. Your child’s pack will include backpack, cricket bat, ball, cap and personalised shirt with your child's name. All children returning to All Stars again will recieve a new bat, personalised t-shirt and a set of stumps. To book your All Stars place or for more information, then visit our All Stars webpage .
Our partners at Icon Sports have set a deadline of Wednesday 26th February to order new kit for guarenteed delivery before the start of the season. Any kit ordered after this time is likely to not be delivered to the club until May. To order your playing shirt, whites, training kit, cap, or bobble hat then visit our club shop by clicking here
We are now a few weeks into winter training, and here are the details of the various sessions taking place throughout the week: Senior Training, for all senior players and juniors wishing to play senior cricket this season, takes place every Thursday at Bury Grammar from 8pm – 9:30pm. Junior training takes place on Wednesday evenings at Bury Grammar: 7-8pm : Beginners, U9s and U11s 8-9pm : U13s and U15s New players are welcome at all sessions.
Registration for the 2020 season to Bury CC is now open. Please enter your details as soon as possible, payment of membership fees is not yet essential and this can be done nearer the season or on Cricketforce day (April 5th 2020). You can complete the registration form via the google form by clicking here
Following the 1st round draw of the Derek Kay Cup, we can now add another date to our fixture calendar for 2020. Our 1st XI have been drawn at home to Premier League side Clifton, with the tie to be played on Sunday 17th May. Clifton have been an ever-present Premier League side in the GMCL, and this will be our first meeting with their 1st team since our last meeting in the Premier League in 2017. The 2nd XI draw also took place, and we will visit Unsworth 2nd XI on Sunday 24th May. The 3rd XI will begin the defence of their Sunday Premier Cup title with a home tie with Stand on Sunday 31st May.
On Monday 27th January at our Annual General Meeting, the following were elected as captains for the 2020 season in the GMCL: 1st team captain : Gary Garner 2nd team captain : Jordan Smith The following were all re-elected in their roles: Chairman: Mark Smith Treasurer/Secretary: Alan Breckin President: Mike Brawn General Committee: Wayne Belston Paul Belston Dave Bowen Matthew Metcalfe Jules Spencer Jordan Smith James Weston Following a general committee meeting on Monday 2nd March, James Weston was appointed 3rd team captain.
On Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December, VolunteerItYourself (VIY) returned to Bury CC, this time with a group of Bury College students, to extend the fencing on the Radcliffe Road end of the ground, started in November by VIY and Lancashire Women. The fencing on that side of the ground has now been complete upto the old scoreboard, and portable panels were assembled so that these can be placed free standing elsewhere around the ground. Our thanks once again go to Imran and Sajid from VIY, Wickes for supplying the materials, and to Mark Forden and the students from Bury College for their hard work on this project. Photo credit : @VIYproject
As Christmas approaches and 2020 beckons, on behalf of the club I would like to thank all committee members, supporters, players, volunteers and our family members for all their efforts in 2019. Our 175th anniversary is only just over a week away so let's enjoy that thought and the year ahead. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at the club on Monday 27th January at 19:30, all members are encouraged to attend. Mark Smith
The 2020 Greater Manchester Cricket League fixtures for our 1st, 2nd, 3rd and T20 XIs are now available to view here . You can also view all of our fixtures all in one place on the senior page . The 1st XI start the season at home to familiar opponents Edgworth on Saturday 18th April. The season ends on Saturday 12th September at home to local rivals Walshaw. The 2nd XI have been placed in a regionalised Div 2A, which also includes the 1st XIs of East Lancs Paper Mill, Tottington St Johns, Radcliffe, Worsley, Deane & Derby, Hindley St Peters and Irlam. We start the season away at Roe Green 2nd XI and will finish at Clifton 2nd XI. The 3rd XI will once again play in the Sunday Premier Division which has been reduced to 9 teams, with South West Manchester 3rd XI joining 7 opponents from the 2019 season. We start on 19th April away to Greenmount 3rd XI and finish on 6th September at home to Greenfield 3rd XI. In the T20 competition, we have been placed in a group with defending champions Prestwich Heat along with Heywood Monkeys and Whitefield Eagles (Stand). We will play each team home and away in May-June with the winner of the group advancing to the Quarter Finals. Bring on the Summer!
Bury Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Madawa Warnapura will be the club professional for the 2020 season. The 31 year old Sri Lankan is an all rounder, batting in the top order and bowls right arm off spin. Madawa currently plays first class cricket in Sri Lanka for Colombo CC and comes from a cricketing family - his father Bandula Warnapura captained Sri Lanka in their first ever test match against England in 1982. He has scored just shy of 5000 first class runs at an average of 36 including 10 centuries and 29 fifties, and has opened the batting for Sri Lanka A on a tour of England in 2016. This will be Madawa's second stint in the UK having represented Dalton CC (North Lancashire and Cumbria Premier League) in 2017 where he scored 710 runs and took 50 wickets. We look forward to welcoming Madawa to Bury CC in April.
On the weekend of 23rd-24th November, Bury Cricket Club welcomed a team of 14 volunteers from the Lancashire Women set up as part of a Sport England and VIY (VolunteerItYourself) Project in which over 30 metres of new fence was built around the boundary and 100 metres of existing fencing was renovated. Other smaller tasks involved tidying the planters in front of the pavillion and strimming the grass. Bury Cricket Club would like to express its huge thank you to all involved including VIY, Wickes and Jen Barden and all of her girls who gave up their weekend to carry out this work and complete the project. Photo Credits: Jen Barden, VolunteerItYourself, Lancashire Women
Wyreshark are live at Bury Sports Club on Saturday 12th December, doors open 7.30, £2.00 admission a great nights live music.
On Fri 4th Oct Bury Cricket Club will be holding its Annual End of Season Awards Dinner at Bury Sports Club Main Room. Tickets are priced £30 & are available from Paul Belston on 07552218675 or emailing alan@burycc.co.uk . The evening will include an impressive 4 course meal & Guest Speaker John Morris former English Cricketer who played for England in 3 Tests & 8 ODI's - he also played 1st class Cricket for Derbyshire/Durham & Notts - John has a good reputation on the After Dinner Circuit . This Dinner needs your attendance to be a success. Thanks all . Bury CC Committee .
Premier Sunday Cup Final sponsored by Tetleys Chris Potts of Bury lifts the Premier Sunday Cup Bury v Roe Green Bury 141-8 Roe Green 71 all out Bury batted first and started reaching 61-2 off 18 with Nathan Ramsay being the main stay of the batting, eventually being out on 37 before a collapse saw Roe Green fight back and Bury were 65-6 two overs later. Lee Halliwell brought stability to the lower order finishing on 36 and with help from Lleyton Belston and Harry Barnett Bury reached 141-8, Steve Errington from Roe Green finished with an excellent 4 for 15. The match was evenly poised going into the 2nd Innings in the sweltering heat and the Roe Green openers Colin Dermody and Liam Needham quickly reached 50 without loss before Burys young spin duo of Harry Barnett and Lleyton Belston completely changed the match with an excellent display of slow bowling, both taking 5 wickets and 21 runs later Roe Green were all out and Bury were 70 run winners. The joint Men of the Match winners were Harry Barnett and Lleyton Belston who both took 5 wickets
On Friday 23rd August with a 5.30 start Bury Cricket Club are pleased to host the Final of the Vitality Under 19's Club T20 between Rochdale Cricket Club and Longridge Cricket Club. There will be a BBQ, music,and the bar will be open, we will be having an excellent raffle on the night for two Ashes ticket for the Saturday of the Old Trafford Test Match, along with other great prizes.
In a low scoring delayed start game Bury batted first and scored 116-9 in a 36 over game. We Recovered from 13 for 4 with Dom Morris finishing unbeaten on 35 ably assisted with 26 from Alex Breckin and 20 from Sam Holt. In reply Greenmount were all out for 49. Milton Shumba took 4 for 14 and Alex Breckin 5 for 16 with Sam Massey taking the final wicket. Match Highlights below
A heatwave extravaganza awaited tourists and supporters for their final game at the picturesque ground of Colwyn Bay , what they hadn't bargained for was Bury's own version of slap stick comedy , produced at a pivotal point in the game and late in the day . With Sam Holt making his tour debut as skipper for the day the scene was set we were invited to bat as usual in case the stragglers were still feasting on Galloways fish and chips. With various team members rested it was up to the tried and tested opening partnership of Joe and Vik , Joe didn't disappoint and fell victim to one " that would of got a test batsman out " or so stand in umpire wiggy claimed , onlookers seemed to favour unofficial scores @bury version and Joe was left to study further, London's underground tube map on his way home. Vik and Milton did what they've done all tour and rebuilding job was in order getting good value for anything they could get wide of the fielder as it raced to the boundary and it was quickly apparent a score of 200 plus may be needed. Milton raced to double figures and then met the strange same fate he has found himself in on more than one occasion on a Saturday, looking round to find his stumps needed rearranging. In strode Ben and carried on where he left off last night and determined not to have to worry about playing at home for another week or two and was in full holiday mood ,enjoying what was a very good wicket to score runs on . Vik was now in full flow and thinking he was back home where the ball bounced and helped himself to another 50 plus , Ben followed suit to a well crafted half century before he fell to a Josh Bowen full flighted lookalike ball. Skipper Sam H got into the action straight away piling on the pressure Vik fell late on but not before he had constructed a well deserved 80 for the score book . 232 was the eventual target. A form of reverse batting order from the hosts had them in all sorts of trouble and pottys managed to help himself to a hat trick and sent the hierarchy searching the archives. At 58/4 skipper Holt must have been dreaming of his first win under his stewardship. In between Johansen was accumulating runs and played what was in the end a sublime innings . 8 an over at the 150/4 stage was still on and the game toed and froed, Milton snared another u12 to get the hosts 5 down , but this only seemed to spur Johansen on further with the best part of 40 needed of 3 and a bit Bury must have thought " nothing silly now" . With the punch and judy show having been aired earlier on the prom at 2pm surely nothing could compare . The time was 7pm and the matinee had arrived , up stepped our very own dumb and dumber, best friends Sam Massey managed to palm over what was the easiest catch of the day - for a six !! and some two balls later Vik was left in ruins as Pottys snr went from hero to villain and he too managed somehow not be able to jump an inch and palmed it over for the same result . Game on and so it proved , Milton was entrusted with the last over and just couldn't stem the flow Johansen had every corner of the ground covered and once the bowler had showed his hand manipulating most of his field to be leg side waiting for the leg side hoik the batter the last ball was bowled and he duly punched him through extra cover for a boundary. Tied Game 232 a very good spectacle for the onlookers of both sides , a very enjoyable game and a good advert of how it should be played, hard with mutual respect . This brought to a close what was a very enjoyable stay in North Wales for all concerned long may it continue and be supported by all to make it what it is, a club tour for young and old. Special thanks to new tourists and debutants and not forgetting the in house minders / body carriers who managed to get subo home safely from three consecutive nights in wetherspoons, a feat in itself. Yours in sport Wayne
Wednesday was all scratch and shite, not sure in which order the cricket fell into . Jenny Wiggins decided to join the party for the late night wetherspoons gathering and in order to get to Wales she had to firstly encounter the scourage of the seaside the "Gulls" she was shat on from a great height and not probably for the first time , it did wonders for her blonde rinse and saved her a few quid for her usual trip to the hairdressers at weekend , not to be out done her trusted friend Nicky took one for the team this time full on in the eye and it made a change from the blue mascara . Onto the cricket, Bury were presented with what looked to be a road and that's what it turned out to be until two of our gypsy tarmac workers got into it . In between Wiggy had departed 2nd ball . Milton and Vik at the wicket and Milton's guard went from 2 legs to middle to leg to off and at least 4 good lines were drawn , not to be out done Vik decided he could get on the front foot quickly and the pitch was to be trusted, not sure how he had worked that out taking 2 guards one of which was deemed to be in the danger zone, the opposition umpire stepped in and quoted rule 2.7.5.5.5 of the ECB llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch version of " you cant do this down here son " . With things seemingly calmed down and everyone in position and everyone less on edge Vik decides to take another mark this time 15ft out of his crease and all hell breaks loose, Burys 50 yrs touring party of North Wales is in great jeopardy of being run out of town . Milton the voice of reason using his international mindset of cricket rules politely points out to the umpire " it's in the rules he can mark anywhere " at this point I'm thinking Milton's not one to be recommended for any ACAS type conciliation. Eventually things were calm enough for a re start and Vik rubbed further salt in the wound striking the ball cleanly to all parts, a well constructed innings he got to 50 in no time and was duly removed from the firing line with a retirement, in strode Ben and full of confidence and deciding to give the opposition a chance he pulled out his bag of diplomacy and cut pulled swept reverse swept drove everything in sight and in one particular party piece opened his legs to hit the ball through them to the boundary and by this time the opposition were applauding , good to watch for a tour debut and he became the 2nd retirement with the scoreboard rattling past 100 . Milton was hitting balls as cleanly as yesterday and he too rattled up a half century. One or two others came and went and 180 or near as damn it was the total the tourists had set. Mochdre's innings was nothing really to shout about and some joke bowling was trusted Dom was in amongst the wickets which gives you a flavour of the standard being set along with Smudges record of most chances / catches dropped behind the stumps , god rest his soul our beloved Dave Hindles will no longer be able to wear that badge of honour it now rests firmly in Jordan's court. Good luck for future tours. Milton added some disgusting left arm leg spin and Mochdre finished some 40 short. Note to self dont take anymore Saffas to Wales . A relatively quiet night at the end of the day and the usual 12am gun fight took place with subo and the publican discussing Lee Halliwells date of birth and the fact his mum wasnt with him . The big boys went out on the town, Lee ensured Milton was tucked in again for the second night , Freddie brought the rear up and was last in the taxi salivating at the thought he might bump into sweaty betty. Big W umpire Dave and Subo trotted off for a late night kebab. Inbetween Sam Holt the newly instated skipper for Colwyn Bay was given a mission Tom Cruise would find difficult as Mission Impossible was set, the team was named early and with Sam Massey down to bat at 6 it should give you some idea of the task in hand ,no pressure Sam we've been in bigger holes . Yours in sport Wayne .. It's only banter !!!
Once Ted Dexter and Ray Illingworth had worked out the equation that 11 take the cricket field, given there was 9 named the night before it was left to Ted to give Incredible Hulk the option to turn out for the opposition and make it 11 a side and get things moving . Some how we had mustered 12 !!! Incredible Hulk turned into Incredible Sulk and it was left to Josh to step up and as it turned out he took full advantage of his switch to Bangor and became the tormentor. Interesting opening partnership Joe took the strike and ran for one there was a two but Joe had unfortunately backed up too far and ran into the next county. Vik looking to get things going payed full respect to the ginger pony tail and chipped her, yes her , the only u16 girl in the team to extra cover and off he walked falling before his partner . Joe looked pleased .. Milton strolled to the wicket and was quickly in his stride punching anything off line to the boundary and the touring team was on it's way. Joe then did his usual and played down the Bakerloo and got one that went down Waterloo and in strolled the real Incredible Hulk to join Milton. Freddie was delighted one of Milton's pushes through the covers had got him off the mark and the scorer was flummoxed. Hulks innings came to a soft ending perhaps it was his footwork choice of black and grey Nike. When asked wheres you're spikes the reply came " at home " - fair enough in my book. Thereafter some lovely crisp hitting got Burys young pro to a well deserved half century. Milton was next to fall after a controversial overturned decision. umpire Billy Boden called no ball somehow a conference in the middle with opposition captain and selector now umpire gave it out as a legitimate delivery ..We since learned the height rules have been changed for slow bowlers and no surprise later in the day Milton got his revenge bowling the u12 out with a large celebration to get us near the winning line. A well constructed 50 from Milton was the highlight of the touring sides first half effort. Josh was determined to make his switch selection work to his advantage and after the windmill warm up had taken place some 8 overs ago he looked at Smudge ,who having declined the 4 spot took up the anchor role of 6 and with his first delivery bamboozled him with one that went straight on ,the only discrepancy being the umpire waiting for him to walk given he had maneuvered himself in front of all six stumps . Off he trotted lbw and that was Josh in the wickets again at 3rd team level.. Dom was warned 50 was required as the rest wouldn't muster 20 ..After some well timed extra cover drives off the back foot and looking on for the said 50 he duly played on and we settled for mid 30s score Adam sulk hulk didn't fare any better he decided to copy the ex ex ex junr co coordinators brush shot and was bamboozled by one that pitched and bounced and he was on his way LBW. The scoreboard was teetering around the 100 mark and Big C walked to the crease, with one or two sky bound drives he looked to be trying to take out the customary low flying supersonic jets in the landscape, as an alternative to dog walkers he managed to pick out the pro. Patrick duly obliged trying to hit Josh out of the park and picked out deep backward square leaving skipper Matt for the day stranded with what it seemed an under par 121 to win. Before that Lee continued to show he isn't the genuine alrounder and scooped a pathetic effort into short cover. Bangors innings got off to a brisk start and with Big c and Lee not being able stem the runs a breakthrough was needed . Big c showed his customary politeness and barged into the non striker like you do, not trying to stop a run but to get his customary shy at the stumps.It failed but it got the pro on strike and when he forced one seemingly into orbit Arran appeared Johnny on the spot this time and snaffled him proving his selection was well thought out. It opened one end up another loud appeal caught the umpire out and he caved into submission giving Big c his 2nd wicket .Thereafter wickets began to tumble at regular intervals Lee Vik Patrick and Milton got in on the act .121 wasn't a huge score and tight fielding was needed . Squeaky bum time and when tail end Evan's lofted Vik to the "safest pair of hands in the club Patrick" it seemed we had the upper hand , unfortunately Patrick started his slow slow quick quick slow foxtrot , throw in a side step one to the left one to the right it duly dropped straight over his head for a maximum. Bury starring down the barrel with single figures needed for a home win. Up stepped Milton to bring himself back on to bag himself the prize wicket of the no10 who was an under 12 and two balls before he managed to score his first senior run . Wild celebrations from Milton ensured this was one he will remember during his career ,altogether now "The day he went to Bangor" Vik persuaded the umpire to be as generous as the first innings umpires and he took the last wicket of Jones lbw. The touring side had got off to a winning start and no pressure for the incoming T20 captain for Mochdre. Steak night or was it date night for Freddie at wetherspoons the boys couldn't wait any longer for subo who was fine dining down the road with the bow hat and cravat brigade and they all tucked into various T bones , confusion began when Dom thought he was getting a drink only to be approached by Sweaty Betty this put him off his usual chicken a la carte type burger and went straight to 4 scoop ice cream . I'm sure at this point Freddie snuck back to the bar for a glimpse of the local talent. Lee managed to tuck Milton in bed early leaving Josh loose on the doubles . Subo managed last orders and usual service was resumed and she was escorted off the premises well after midnight, fortunately this year by Dave and not last years publican . Yours in sport Wayne it's only banter
Our Ladies Day took place on Saturday and what a magnificent event it was, the ladies had very enjoyable afternoon and evening and raised the unbelievable sum of £1000 on behalf of the club. 3 great wins followed for our senior teams over the weekend, the 1sts beat Dukinfield with Milton scoring an unbeaten 50 and Wicardo taking 3 for 11 off 7 overs, our seconds beat Micklehurst 1sts with a ball to spare with an unbeaten 58 from Gary Garner. Our thirds were in the quarter final of the cup at Clifton and a score of 237 proved too much for the oppostition and a maiden century from Nathan Ramsay was the highlight of the afternoon. In the morning our under 19's beat a very good Didsbury team with Nathan Ramsay scoring a 50 and retiring and it meant that we finished top of their group in the Lancashire Club Under 19's T20 Vitality Blast competition. Match Highlights from Bury CC v Dukinfield
The 1sts had a 9 wicket win against Droylsden on Saturday. Droyslden were bowled out for 109 with Alex Breckin taking 4 wickets for 23 with the last 6 wickets falling for 4 runs. Jon Wiggans top scored in the reply with 60 not out. Our second team gained a superb victory over Werneth 1sts, chasing 233 we scored the winning runs with two overs remaining for 6 wickets down. Gary Garner top scored with 77 not out. All the wickets Gary Garners innings
Starting on 12th August until the 16th August we will be hosting a junior player performance camp, hosted by one of our junior coaches, Maddy, please see the attached with all the details.
In an hard fought game of cricket our 3rd XI secured a close victory over Stretford.
Our 3rd XI secured their place in the last 16 of the Sunday Premier Cup with an excellent win over Winton. In the next round they will face Stretford on Sunday 23rd June. To watch match highlights click here
Over the next ten days Bury Cricket Club will be involved in games at 1st team, 2nd team, 3rd team, 4th team, senior T20, Under 15's, Under 13's, Under 11's, Under 9's, as well as Lancashire Girls Under 15's and Bury District Under 13's matches. A busy period for all concerned. Click on the Calendar below to review.
THIS THURSDAY 6TH JUNEOn Thursday evening at 8.00pm Opening Up Cricket will be in attendance in the club house and all senior members are invited to attend to hear a representative from Opening Up Cricket discuss and promote mental wellbeing through cricket.This is an event that will benefit all, your attendance would be appreciated.
Our 1st XI secured an excellent win at our local rivals Greenmount on Saturday.For match highlights click below
The sports club is looking at partnering with Northern Laser Therapy.They offer an effective pain management and injury rehabilitation service for people suffering with a wide range of injuries and ailments.They are coming to speak to all interested members about our services on Wednesday 5th June at 7.30pm.Our highly effective treatment is non-invasive, drug and pain-free and has no side effects. It simply uses infrared light to enhance the body’s healing responses, reducing pain and speeding up tissue repair. More information can be found at our website, www.northernlasertherapy.com.95% of patients experience a significant improvement in pain and mobility after treatment and currently, the average patient experiences pain reduction of more than 50% following the first course of 6 treatments, increasing with further treatment.Subject to demand, they will be offering treatments at Bury Sports Club from June onwards at a highly competitive price to members and their family and friends. Please take the chance to come to the presentation to find out more.
Bank Holiday Monday (27-05-2019) saw the (4th ?) annual Bury CC walk designed and led by club president, legend and bon-viveur Mike Brawn.Mike must be applauded for using his great powers to prevent the rain from falling as thirty people along with a few of our canine friends covered 10.87km with 80m of ascent (6.75 miles and 262 feet for Brexiteers) and raised over £200 (226 Euros for Remainers) for club funds.We would like to thank Mike, as ever, for his efforts in organising the event and also to the backroom staff, Dave Leach for manning the support car and Susan Smith for ensuring that everyone was well fed back at the club.
Arshad Razas 8 for 71 against Micklehurst this weekend
A great three days of cricket awaits us for the bank holiday weekend.On Saturday at 1.00 our 2nd team are at home to Micklehurst 1sts, with our 1sts travelling to Dukinfield with wickets pitched at 1.00.On Sunday at 1.00 our firsts host Prestwich in the Derek Kay Cup.On Monday our third team travel to Westhoughton CC for a 2.00 start.A very big thank you to Vanstone Solicitors our 2nd team match ball sponsors for Saturdays match and to Bedfords of Blackburn our cup sponsors on Sunday.In addition on Sunday morning our Under 13's are at home to Middleton with a 9.15 start and on Monday at 6.00 our under 9's travel to Unsworth CC for two matches against Swinton Moorside and Unsworth.
On Saturday our 1st XI are at home to Droylsden Cricket Club with a 12.30 start, our thanks go to our Matchball sponsor ATL Packaging.Our 2nd team travel to Werneth Cricket Club to play their first team.On Sunday our third team host Stretford with a 1.30 start
On Bank Holiday Monday 27th May we will be holding our annual fundraising walk.The walk will start at 11.00, full route maps will be provided, there will be water breaks at scheduled points, afterwards there will be hot food and drinks afterwards. £7 adult, £4 for juniors and £15 for a family of two adults and one junior.Bury District 15's will be playing in the afternoon followed by our under 9's at 6.00pm
On Saturday 20th July we are pleased to host our annual Ladies Day Prosecco Afternoon Tea.
Here’s first social event of the year to be held down at the club. Saturday 20th April. Get the family down for a good night out loads of easter eggs to win and the opportunity to meet our overseas player, Wikardo and Milton.If you feel you could donate any easter eggs or other raffle prizes it would be appreciated.
NatWest CricketForce Day is this Sunday 7th April with a 9.30 start. This will be combined with our registration day.We need to prepare the ground for the season, this includes te boundary tidy up, sightscreens, covers, out door nets, boundary wall painting, litter picking, pavilion deep clean. We need as many of you as possible, seniors, juniors and volunterers.
We will be playing another one of our Lancashire League neighbours Ramsbottom Cricket Club in a 40 over freindly on Saturday 13th April with a 1.00 start.
Your club membership is now due.Senior membership remains at £65 for the year and must be paid before the 31st May. After this date it will increase by £10 to £75.Junior membership remains at £60 for the year and must be paid before 31st May. After this date it will increase by £10 to £70.For information on our All Stars please click herePlease fill in the Bury CC Membership form and then pick one of the following payment options.There are three ways to pay.Pay direct from your bank, our account details are account number 90061654 and sort code 201071, please put the members name in the reference box. Pay online with debit/credit card by clicking herePay cash at the counter All junior membership rates are inclusive of junior match fees and outdoor coaching. We also have a range of non playing memberships.If you need assistance on any membership or payment issues please contact Alan Breckin, our secretary by e-mail click here or go to our membership page.
On Sunday 14th April we will playing a first team friendly at Lancashire League Rawtenstall Cricket Club, wickets pitched at 1.00.
Our tour of Wales is now arranged, for 2019 we will be playing Bangor, Mochdre and Colwyn Bay.The tour starts on Tuesday 23rd July at Bangor, on the evening of the 24th July we play Mochdre in a T20 and finish at Colwyn Bay CC on Thursday 25th July.We will be based in Llandudno once more, if you require any information on the tour please speak to Wayne.
We are pleased to announce that we are to host this years Lancashire Club Under 19's T20 final on Friday 23rd August.After the successful final last year between Fleetwood Flyers and the Kings XI Clitheroe we are sure it will be event not to be missed.
The GMCLUA will be running a course aimed specifically at club umpires on Thursday 21st March at 7.30pm at Bury CC.The course will last approximately two hours and cover An Introduction to Umpiring.There will be a nominal fee of £5 payable on the night.Places will be limited to 16 attendees and can be booked by contacting umpires@GtrMcrcricket.co.uk.In the event of over subscription, a further event may be held in April or early May.Kind regards,David Chaloner,GMCLUA
Our senior fixtures can be found on the home page of our website.If you would like to have these on your mobile telephone please follow these instructions:All fixtures that Bury Cricket Club will be playing this year can be adding to your mobile phone calendar, Junior fixtures will be added as and when we receive them and the calendar will be updated regularly. Apple phone users just click here and follow the instructions.Android phone users please use the following instructions.Download and Install ICalSync from the Google Play StoreRun ICalSync app on android phone and it would give you an option to go to "Go to Sync Accounts"Click on "Add account" . Select ICalSync.Enter Name and other details. In "choose URL" enter the following https://tinyurl.com/BuryCCandroidSet synchronize time to 15 Min and save it.You will start seeing all your appointments directly in your mobile's native calendar.
returns to Bury Cricket Club for 2019. It provides boys and girls from 5-8 years old with 8 weeks of non-stop fun. The activity and game based programme is suitable for all skill levels, providing your child with the foundations to begin a lifelong love of physical activity and cricket, while making friends in a safe and enjoyable environment. For more information click here
At our Annual General Meeting on Monday 4th February it was decided that the Captains for the 2019 season would be as follows:1st Team Captain: Jon Wiggans2nd Team Captain: Gary Garner3rd Team Captain: To be announced later
Hi all,as previous supporters of Bury Cricket Club Golf Day, we wanted to give you an early heads up about this year's event.Bury CC Golf Day 2019 will take place on Friday May 10th at Pike Fold Golf Club, Unsworth, Bury. The format will be the same as last year with breakfast and hot drinks on arrival followed by a shotgun start at 1.30pm. In the evening there will be a meal and all prizes will be awarded. There will also be a raffle and a short quiz.The cost, for a 4 man team, remains the same at £200.At this stage please could you please let me know via email (paul@burycc.co.uk) if you will be attending and we will send out a formal entry form in due courseWe were fully booked last year with 22 teams so we would like to offer you a place before promoting the event more widely.Thank you for your continued & vital support.Bury CC Golf Day Organising Committee
Everyone at Bury CC is deeply saddened to hear of the news of the passing of our ex-first team wicket keeper, . Pete had been battling illness for some time and this fight sadly ended on his 60th birthday.Pete was recognised as one of the best amateur keepers on the circuit and captained the club for a year on two occasions. He followed in the footsteps of another Bury CC great keeper, Frank Oldroyd. There are many bowlers who owe Pete a debt of gratitude for the catches and stumpings he took off their bowling.After leaving Bury had a spell playing at Totty St Johns before moving down South to play for Shenley CC. On his trips back up North he would always pop in to the club to see old friends and colleagues and share a beer or two. Despite his health problems he maintained a cheerful disposition and was always good company. Our thoughts go out to his family, particularly his son James, who progressed through the junior ranks at BCC.RIP PeteAlan Breckin (Bury CC)
It's always difficult to summarise a player so soon after they have left us. I think you can reflect on a player with rose tinted glasses and get misty eyed about ambient summers past, but Pete Allen was simply the best amateur wicket keeper I ever played with and in the top two I'd either played with, or against.When I first came to Bury CC almost 35 years ago, he was the first person to welcome me at winter nets, but it wasn't until the summer that I realised the standards he set. In the modern age, he was an old fashioned glove man. He just did his job behind the sticks with the minimum of fuss and like all talented players, made the hard stuff look routine.His batting was no great shakes but he held his place on the purity of his glove work. If there was any discussion about someone else who might keep and score more runs, the bowlers would chip in with the value of that low one-handed catch or a leg side stumping that was worth more than a tidy 20 with the bat. It was always a seismic shock when a chance slipped from his grasp and his work up to the stumps off the quicks caught out many an opening bat taking liberties with their footwork at the crease.As most keepers, he was the constant voice to drive the team and could pass comment with the best of them, but this was not abuse just a sly poke or dig at a failing in someone's technique or a caustic remark, just to keep the batsmen on their toes. The difference was it was never personal and he still could say 'good shot' to the batter if he unfurled something that was easy on the eye and maintained that ethos of the game. I can recall that he always made a point of having a beer with the opposition after the game, something that appears to have drifted from the game, but opposition became friends rather than someone you just played against twice a year.His passing the day of his 60th birthday leaves a void that will be as hard to fill as his gloves were when he decided his knees had enough and he needed to try somewhere else. As all good wicketkeepers, he was the heartbeat of the fielding side and now that heart is finally still he can sit back and watch from above, when the sun is always warm on your back and the beer is always cold.RIP Pete AllenPaul Morris (Bury CC)
On Monday 4th February at 7.45pm we will be holding our at Bury Cricket Club.All members are requested to join us to make decisions that will impact on the 2019 season.To determine the roles and positions of the general and selection committee, President, Chairman,and Captains votes will be taken on the night, to nominate an individual in a role please click here and fill in the form.Mark SmithChairman
Senior Nets start on 31st January at Bury Gramnar School Sports Centre, 8-9.30pm.All players, old and new welcome. New coach Martin Kay will be in attendance.For more information please contact us
Junior nets start at Bury Grammar Sports Hall on Wednesday 16th January.7pm - 8pm for beginners, U9s and U11s.8pm - 9pm for U13s and U15s.All players, old and new welcomeFor more information please contact us
A very to all our players, members, supporters, sponsors and volunteers, we hope everyone has a fantastic 2019.
We are pleased to announce our head coach for 2019, Martin Kay.A brief resume of Martins career follows: Martin comes with a wealth of experience, he is a Level 3 coach having taken the course with Andy Flower, Simon Brown and Geoff Arnold.He has delivered on a number of Level 1 Coaching Awards for the old Lancashire Cricket Board. He coached Lancashire women and girls for 6 years. He assisted in the relaunch of the section and saw success at both junior and senior levels. A former inter city coach reaching the final at Arundel Castle, He also coached at Woodbank CC as Head Coach and on many in school projects all over Lancashire.He is currently coaching on the Greater Manchester Cricket League Academy.Martin has asked me to pass on these words:I am looking forward to working with a talented group of players and support staff to maximise potential and ultimately fight for a place back in the Greater Manchester Cricket League Premier Division.Martin will be assisted by Sam Holt who will head up our Junior Coaching.
The GMCL has now published the Saturday fixtures for the 2019 season.To view the fixtures please click here
We have now returned from our tour of Sri Lanka, a big thank you to all those who made the trip a reality. To read all about click on the link below.Sri Lanka The Tour
On Friday 28th September at the Lancashire Cricket end of season awards dinner Bury Cricket Club became one of the four regional clubs of the year in Lancashire for 2018. To be considered for an award as prestigous as this is another step in the continuing process of improving the club in all areas.On behalf of the club I would like to thank all our volunteers for their efforts this year.
The Junior presentation night is a week after the senior dinner on Friday 12th October in the main sports club, starting at 7.15pm. Hope to see lots of juniors and their families down, and also the senior players to support the future of the club.
On Friday 5th October we will be hosting our Annual Dinner and Awards Night, the legendary Idiot Cap and the Duck Cup will reappear, in the main building at Bury Sports Club.Our favourite caterers are back with us, we are guaranteed a sumptous meal which will no doubt have a delightful jus, a vegetarian option will also be available, and when you add that to a fantastic speaker in Australian Cricketer Peter Bowler, a former wicketkeeper batsman who finished his career scoring over 19,000 runs. Making his first-class debut in 1986, Bowler played for Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Somerset and Tasmania, retiring in 2004 I am sure we are guaranteed a great night.Book your place now at the bar in the pavilion or with either Mike Brawn or Paul Belston. Tickets are £25 and your partners are very welcome.In addition we will be holding a very special raffle for a Bury Cricket Club Shirt signed by Andrew Flintoff. For those that are not able to attend the evening tickets will be available from now to the dinner at £5 per ticket.
The GMCL under 18s Cup Final will take place at 5pm on Wednesday 5th September at Greenmount Cricket Club.The hosts, who beat Prestwich in their semi-final, take on Bury CC who beat Austerlands.Please get along there if you can, a great game is in prospect !
On Friday we hosted the Vitality T20 Club Final between the Fleetwood Flyers and Kings XI Clitheroe.After the many concerns that the weather had brought throughout the day the game started with an excellent crowd in attendance with Kings XI Clitheore scoring 122 for 5 in their 20 overs. The Flyers chased the target in 17.1 overs.Our congratulations go to both teams on an excellent game of cricket played in right spirit.
On Friday 24th August we are pleased to host the between Fleetwood Flyers and Kings XI Clitheroe, wickets pitched at 5.30.BBQ, Music and drink whilst watching the cream of Under 19's, free admission.All are very welcome.FRIDAYS MATCH PROGRAMMEThe Route to the FinalQuarter Final08/08/18Semi Final10/08/18Final24/08/18Fleetwood FlyersvTodmorden Fleetwood FlyersvStretford Spitfires Fleetwood Flyers v Kings XI ClitheroeChorley MavericksvStretford SpitfiresLittleborough HaresvKings XI Clitheroe Kings XI Clitheroe vFormby FireOld XaveriansvFormby Fire The SquadsFleetwood Flyers Kings XI Clitheroe 333Jeremy Davies (C) 1Charlie Dewhurst (C)88Sam Wakefield 2Harry Lang16Declan Clerkin 3Sam Mulligan 8James Amor 4Frankie Jackson 18Keane McCann 5Eli Smith6Joe Thomson 6George Stewart 1Sam Davis 7George Barnes11Mikey Wilson 8Charlie Atkinson 7Scott Whittaker 9Hammad Amin4Charlie Clark 10Josh Palmer10Lewis Haworth 11Johnny Wardle 14Callum Birtwell-Jones
This week our juniors are in three GMCL cup fixturesOn Monday 13th August our Under 15's are away at Greenfield CCOn Wednesday 15th August our Under 18's are at home to Deane and Derby CC On Friday 17th August our Under 11's are away to Greenfield CC
This weekends fixtures are as followsSaturday 11th August 1st Team Away to Flowery Field start 1.00pm startSaturday 11th August 2nd Team Home to Tottington St Johns 1.30 startSunday 12th August 3rd Team Away to Radcliffe 2.00 pm startSunday 12th August 4th Team Home to Rammy Traders 1.00 pm start
Our club shop in association with Icon Sports can now be reached by clicking here
One to One Coaching sessions are available with Maddy until the end of August, for more information please give her a call on 07769 581350
At Saturdays 1st team match against Denton we welcome Claire Spencer, family and friends from A Northern Light as our Match Sponsor.A Northern Light are a local based producer of handmade, illustrated, lighting, homeware and prints.We thank Claire and her family for their continued support.
On Thursday the 2nd August we host the Under 11's of both Lancashire and Staffordshire in a 40 over match match, start time of 12.00.Why not come down and enjoy the future stars of the game, the pavilion is fully open, come down and use the facilities the outdoor nets are open.
Between the dates of the 13th and 17th August we will be hosting a Player Performance Camp for our junior players from the age of 13 to 21.For more information please contact our lead coach Sam Holt on 07931 810114
As the heat wave continued Bury breezed in to Colwyn Bay looking for a clean sweep , which one has to say was a stark turnaround from last year where we lost all three games. So no pressure on skipper elect Dom who achieved his first goal won the toss and decide to bat, not sure next year’s skipper will have the same good fortune looking at Bury’s final score. Into the fray came strong arms (Popeye)Ramsay jnr and Greenhalgh senr , not too sure how many balls Ramsay lasted it was short and sweet perhaps he was yearning to get back to see Olive Oyl , anyway off he left with his tail behind his legs, big bro Jacob managed a wry smile on passing to join Greenhalgh at the crease, two balls later Mark’s lack of good fortune in a Bury shirt continued and he met a similar fate, he feathered one to the keeper and off he popped, enter Smalley having come for the day from down the A55 to join the touring party, four balls later he met the same fate as Mark Greenhalgh and snicked off. 11/3 not quite the start we had in mind, cries from the balcony “T20”!! were still scowled upon from manager and skipper who had full faith as GG was next to the wicket, Gary and Jacob set about rebuilding the innings and that’s exactly what they did, Jacob was again impressive with his ground shots and kept the scoreboard ticking over punishing anything short and bringing Gary to applaud in the same vein as myself last night with a “shot of the day” his well timed extra cover drive was straight out of the top draw. Jacob reached another 50 and was in full flow, GG showed his class backing him up playing sensibly latching onto anything loose, score board now repaired and a 130 run partnership was in the book and Bury were back on course. GG plied on the misery for the home side and compiled a magnificent score just missing out on his hundred (98), enter skipper Dom he too joined in on the act and after another circumspect start he piled into the Bay bowlers and reached 50 in no time, Raza came into bat for the first time in three days and got the only ball that turned, chopping it onto his stumps , Lee Halliwell got his first tour runs at the death and we finished on a very healthy 271. Gorgeous tea was devoured and the southern fried chicken strips went down well with the tourists , subo enquired where the gorgeous chips originated from as she was well and truly into the fast food one presumes looking for any signs of a possible kebab, we were duly informed they weren’t Asda’s not Morrison’s not Tesco’s nor Aldi’s but Lidl’s frozen then deep fried , and we left somehow hoping Mrs Smith would take the plunge on the deep fat fryer. For further details go to https://www.change.org/start-a-petition. Those runs on the board and the lethal combination of southern fried chicken strips for tea had somehow fried skipper Dom’s brain and a plan of action was hatched regards who was umpiring and at what strategic times people would be relived of duties and it would all flow into place and Wayne you don’t need to worry you can rest we’ve sorted it. So field is set batsman at the crease , Halliwell has his run up sorted Dom assumes the umpires position and were ready to go , Smalley then counts fielders , Raza interjects too and its all decided we only have 10 , wait Gary’s in the deck chair making a call bemused by the fact he’s required as his slot wasn’t to start yet. The last time he had heard his name chanted like that was when we got back to the club from winning HC Smith Cup , Gary ! Gary ! Gary ! Was the cry. The early breakthrough came and skipper gained control or had he, Gus’s second appeal for LBW on the pro prompted him to raise his finger and then the deathly silence was met and off he went , the keeper gathered the ball from fine leg and we went again. Scoring was relatively easy to come by and boundaries flowed, a full complement of bowlers were used Gus Lee Smalley Raza Josh Lou Jacob and somehow although we chipped in with the odd wicket, the score went rattling at some pace 100/150/200, undoubtedly the best batting track we had played on , by then Dom had the field spread eagled and conducted the orchestra from the boundary initiating instructions through Raza, by the time I had re took umpiring duties Dom approached me with the “could get tight this” lose this and you’ll go down in history was my reply, it seemed to have the desired effect and he brought back Gus and Smalley to strangle it and they didn’t let him down , 40 was needed off was it 4 over’s or was it 5 was the question, the official umpires knew the Bay scorers had accidently gone one in front and were in control of proceedings , Raza was trying to explain to Aaron and Mark G, you can imagine how that went and more panic enthused , Aaron by now has had the mathematics explained to him and when there was two over’s to go he shouted “ last over boys”. Obviously Aaron’s continual attempts to claim just one catch on tour had clearly frazzled his brain. All’s well that ends well and Bay finished 16 runs short of the target, skipper quiet rightly took the plaudits and 3/3 it was. Game was played in the right spirit the lads were magnificent in representing the club throughout the three days a great time was had by all, myself and Mr Bean arrived safely back home around 11:30 and another tour was done. Big W
On Friday 27th July we welcome a touring under 17's team and their coach Asif Mujtaba from Dallas at the Archway Oval. Wickets are pitched at 12.00, the Pavilion will be fully open from 11.00. We will be streaming the game live on our website.
Mr Beans Day Day two was all about Mr Bean (Donovan) what an eventful day he had , if he wasn’t walking around Wetherspoons before last orders trying not to draw attention to himself with his bright orange day glow carrier bag full of strongbow ready for the celebratory victory party , which one presumes was held in Nathan’s hotel room , it was hard to guess this was the lad who “ ramped us “ yes you heard right Donovan ramped one of the Mochdre front line bowlers to secure a somewhat surprising , some would say victory over our first maiden tour hosts Mochdre . Bury’s North Wales tour has been in operation in over 50 years and its was the first time we had visited Mochdre which was a magnificent setting and we were greeted with good hospitality and hopefully we left a good impression for a future return.Bury won the toss as usual elected to bat on what looked a pearl of a wicket for those horse racing enthusiasts GG took the captaincy reigns and a carefully selected batting order was produced , this time around Jacob lived up to his maternal instincts and held his brothers hands for first 10 overs and got us off to a flyer and 80 was on the board very quickly, Jacob in particular playing some good ground strokes including one timed effort through extra which really was the shot of the day , first wicket down in marches Mr Bean this time no carrier bag but his trusty wand and what good use he made of it , shots all around the ground and Bury really had the momentum Jacob was in full flow and the hundred came up . Jacob was the second wicket to fall to a soft caught and bowled but a very well constructed 50 odd had really set a good foundation and in my eyes was the match winnings innings .Two wickets down with over hundred on the board management were happy knowing premier Dom was next to stride out thinking 180 was a distinct possibility, umm for four overs he couldn’t hit the skin of a rice pudding , it was this time Donovan took charge of proceedings and ramped one of Mochdre’s front line bowlers for four to which the opposition skipper piped up having watched Donovan unorthodox style on some occasions “where the flippin heck did that come from “ what we didn’t let out of the bag was , he shocked us more than he shocked them, even Alfie the dog was rolling around laughing at this point. This seemed to ignite Dom into superman type powers for the last over and he hit Mochdres 1st team skipper for 4 huge sixes and two boundaries just taking the 32 off the last over, it was some of the best quality striking of a cricket ball you will see , thankfully Dom was around for the script writer when he played.169 was the total and Bury turned round satisfied GG opened up with Raza and what a great start we got off to bowling Cheshire County player Will first ball , revenge was certainly in Raza mind as few weeks before at Rydal he took us to the cleaners for just the 150. Young Halliwell took the other end and got some tap early on in true 20/20 fashion but bowled with guile and craft at times with a good yard in him . Raza got another one to lift and GG kindly obliged in slips , by this time the wicket at one end had turned into something nasty and became difficult to bat on to say the least . Young Bowen was given the opportunity to bowl first change but was plundered to all parts , to his credit it didn’t effect him and he was up for matching Rogers exploits on day one throwing himself at anything that he could get near too whilst fielding saving some valuable boundaries. He was replaced by Lou yep Lou not Paul’s wife but Lou Greenhalgh who bowled a very tidy spell under pressure of the run chase as Mochdre middle order had got stuck in as they say and one of the batters not Jones rattled 50 and we were up to 100.MOM Jacob then turned his hand to some off spin and it was just what the doctor ordered and nipped out couple of wickets one of which his brother took, and stumped showing him how to do it and Bury were back in it , in between Aaron had skated his way in from long on to spill one and we could have all relaxed, as it was pressure was back on and GG master stroke of bringing back Halliwell in the penultimate over worked wonders and he removed the dangerous no 10 . The scene is set who’s going to bowl the last over, of course it could only be Mr Bean it was his day and he duly obliged showing full faith in the skippers cock up of who’s bowling the last over and kept his cool bowling outside off stump then removing the last man to secure a Bury victory with Mochdre finishing four short, great effort from the boys and 2/2 no pressure for today’s skipper looking for a clean sweep.Of course late night celebrations were in order and Subo decided to make an SAS type entrance to Wetherspoons mainly due to be hidden from sight of the stand in area manager and his troup of lady barmaids , fortunately it was the male variety bartenders who were serving and all the Ramsay’s got a drink !! Hip hip hooray hip hip hooray, mission impossible complete and Sue had finally completed her one task for the day , sorry second she did do wonderful job scoring over ruling the umpires decision and taking orders from the fielder giving Jacob a four instead of six , its ok Sue we won by four much love xxx .Of course it wasn’t going to be a good night unless we were kicked out of Wetherspoons long after 12 , well it was approx 12.30 and Subo was really into the non cloudy non fizzy Chardonnay and she did ever so well not to make eye contact to the young lady bartender who had swooped in from nowhere ( well really she spotted her a mile off and was having that b...) telling us to sup up for 15mins. Not to be deterred on she marched to the kebab shop and and got the owner to serve her up her own cocktail mix of kebab and she is now known as Subo Shish Bowen.Thankfully this parting of the ways under direction of the kebab shop management was under good terms and Sue was last seen swaying up North.Mr Bean had made his getaway to Nathan’s and duly woke me up at 4.30 am throwing his ring up in the toilet , hopefully like me learning my lesson at around a similar age that strongbow was fizzing out of his nose, I wouldn’t mind by the time 5.30 am ca me around I was re awoken by the toilet itself this time , he had somehow managed to lock the flushing mechanism so it was filling the cistern up permanently and a noisy flow of a filling cistern carried on till 6:30 until I managed the jam the f....g thing.Anyway good days and times had by all onwards to Colwyn Bay.Big W
A convincing win over our Bangor friends gets tour off to a good start, a decent opening partnership with a belligerent Joe Mitchell always looking to take the initiative and a sabre rattling Ramsay Junior getting us to 50 in no time, Bury's determination to seize the opportunity didn’t stop there Ramsay Senior was determined to outscore his brother who was unlucky to be dismissed in the mid 40s with one that he bottomed edged onto his stumps, Ramsay senior produced some well timed shots to keep scoreboard ticking along at a good rate and by the time Mitchell departed having gone into T20 mode which saw him score more than a single on at least two occasions Bury were well set.Enter our International man of mystery Ahmad Iqbal and ex Pakistan u19 star and currently on loan from Liversedge CC who’s extra cover drives were exquisite got Bury well over 150, by this time Ramsay senior had upped the ante and was matching Iqbal shot for shot and was retired at the skippers request just short of his 100.Some hard hitting from Iqbal late on crashing boundaries all over along with tour debutant Flaherty who incidentally has a terrible snoring habit got Bury to a score well in excess of 200 and certainly something to bowl at.Bury opened up the bowling with another debutant Patrick Potts who bowled with some menace unfortunately it was aimed at Ramsay senior's keeping as opposed to the stumps or even the batsman which brought about an early change of bowling, enter Big C who quickly got into a rhythm and brought back memories of wishing Stoney was captain for the day and would have happily bowled non stop, he got his reward with couple of wickets and Bury had broken Bangor’s spine, left arm spinner Iqbal joined in on the act and by the time the Mrs Mills lookalike was removed, Bury had a stranglehold on the game. To his credit Potts returned for a second spell and got his reward castling another Bangor batsman's stumps and Big C was still toiling away.Flaherty too made his bowling debut and picked up a wicket with his first ball and Bangor were left reeling and stranded in no mans land.Some notable fielding displays were enthused with Raza showing his crocodile like catching, skipper Metcalfe following suit and a corkscrew like attempt from Mitchell senior who was Bury's standout fielder throwing himself like Joseph in his technicolour dream coat at anything within his diving range. Bangor finished well short in the mid 160 s and Bury were off to a winning start .Other observations of note Raza beats Mitchell junior in a race to retrieve one from the fine leg area, Ramsay senior's attempt at a stumping in a slow motion type fashion with the batter winning the race from 2 yards out.Big W refuting Ramsay junior's claims his brother is a good keeper and took valuable notes that he won’t make committee or scout reports for future tour selection teams.Evening rendezvous was at Wetherspoons with Burgers around at 10pm which led to a Ramsay Rockus which started with “he gave to me to give to him to give to me to give to him” in relation to EU and non EU passport / driving license / no driving license ID.Paralegal Subo stepped in to offer her take on the manager refusing to serve an alcohol non alcohol drink who preferred to change labels on the beer taps rather than serve a parched Ramsay.She was then interviewed under caution by the duty manager and by the time she had applied for a Wetherspoon chain of stand in regional manager she had to finally climb down to avoid a first time touring party chuck out from Wetherspoons.Things calmed down by closing time and by the time Gary Garner and his golfing party turned up, Subo was well into the Chardonnay scrumpy like cloudy fizzy white wine.Some non interesting facts were spoken well after a 2nd warning to drink up at 12:30 am including Duncan “chase me“ Norvelle's wife was once hit by a golf ball whilst he the star at a golf pro-am event and whilst he landed and departed in a helicopter she departed separately in an ambulance. Rock star legend Alice Cooper plays off a 2 handicap and for those soap lovers Jack Sugden ex Emmerdale is as boring a companion on the golf pro am circuit as his character. Also Speedy is off to change his pants that he bought from M&S and Pam is still wondering why they don’t fit as there’s a first for everything. An interesting day with Mochdre T20 Weds to follow where we're told is the best batting track around North Wales and I’m sure the new arriving party of Dom, Aaron and the Greenhalgh's will make no use of at all. Great 1st day had by all more reports to follow.Big W.
Edgworth Khan’t stop the Bury JuggernautBury 3rd XI 201-3 beat Edgworth 196ao by 7 wickets...The day started badly with Bury losing the toss and being asked to field first in the 26c heat. And things didn’t start much better with Edgworth getting off to a flyer. Some excellent bowling from Metcalfe went unrewarded for a long time before he was finally given the wickets he deserved. After a flutter of wickets being claimed by Matt and Josh Bowen who bowled a superb spell against the in form Thornton, Bury reached the second drinks break with Edgworth 160-4. But a superb spell saw Arslaan Shah and Zarqash Ali Gujjar reduce them to 196 all out. A score that felt well below par.The batting display that followed was what a captain can only dream of. Zain and Sohale Khan took the attack to Edgworth early and were rattling along at upwards of 8 an over. Although the runs slowed down, the scoreboard kept ticking and before long the 100 partnership was up for no wicket. The game was fast moving away from Edgworth. The managed to sneak through the defences of Zain as he feathered an edge through to the keeper and once Mike Conn and Santos had come and gone, the latter ensuring his stay at the crease was as entertaining as we’ve come to expect, it was left to Haroon and Sohale to finish the innings. The winning runs deservedly being scored by Sohale, who batted perfectly for his 78*.Vivo stylish player of the match was voted to be Sohale Khan.Orange Cap is now with Sohale KhanPurple Cap remains with Arslaan ShahJonny Stackhouse (Captain)
BURY 1st XI GET THEIR FIRST WINSaturday saw the 1st team host Heyside in the first ever meeting between the two clubs, and hoping to get their first W on the board after last weeks disappointing start to the season.The skipper won the toss and elected to bowl on a green, damp wicket. Things didn’t start well as too many bad balls were bowled and Heyside were going at 6 an over, then Gustav (give someone else a go) Nolte made a double break through in the 5th over and in doing so removed the Heyside pro Seyibokwe. This however didn’t stop the visitors playing their shots and were still going at 5s, but the next two wickets brought two early contenders of catch of the season, the first was by Jacob (make a meal of it) Ramsay and his one handed catch at mid-on and the second was by Matt (doesn’t stop talking) Donnelly who dived one handed in front of first slip. Heyside continued to attack but that just gave Bury opportunities and they were taken, the fielding was spot on this week with 6 catches and a run out. The host's pro Ahmed (where’s my visa) Banday picked up his first wicket for the club, but the star of the show was our overseas who finished with figures of 7-41 off 12.2 overs to take his tally of wickets to 12 in his first two games for the club, as we restricted the visitors to 149 all out.The hosts opened the batting with the skipper and pro and got off to a steady start even though Heyside’s exuberant appealing and cursing towards the pro saw the first warning of the season. The first wicket came when Bury were on 36 when the pro was alleged LBW, a partnership of 50 between Jon (jug evasion) Wiggans and Asif saw them to 86 before, like the pro, Wiggy was given LBW for 48. A mini collapse happened with a dubious LBW, a drag on and a run out but Asif steadied the ship and saw us over the line with a brilliant 46 not out to get Bury’s first win of the season by 5 wickets.We don’t rest on our laurels and we will work hard during the week to try and rectify a few things ahead of our trip to top of the table Whalley Range on Saturday, and then against Premier League opposition Woodbank in the Per-Fit windows sponsored Derek Kay Cup round 1 on Sunday.Jon Wiggans (Captain)
Thank you for being patient in relation to our new playing and training kit, we have recently decided to move to a new provider which means we have been looking at a number of changes of styles and new items of kit that we can bring to you. All of these items are now listed on Icon Sports Bury CC and you can order direct from our shop on the website. We have though ordered a large batch of playing shirts and if you have already ordered with me please do not re order. We will also carry a small stock of these shirts in different sizes that will be able to be bought direct from the club or ordered from the Icon Sports-Bury Cricket Club web shop. Those ordered shirts will be with us within about three to four weeks. We, as a club, will not be ordering your training kit + any other leisure wear you wish to purchase. However, if you would like to do so and you have given your sizes to me, but forgot them, let me know and I will send them to you ASAP. The next date for all orders to be in is May the 3rd, so do hurry.Jordan Smithjordan.smith@burycc.co.uk
THERE'S NOTHING BURY KHAN'T DO !!!Sunday saw Edenfield travel to the BCG to take on Bury 3rds.With a wet day predicted it was anyone guess as to whether a full game would take place, however, the rain was for the most part, kind to Bury. The toss saw Bury put into bat. The innings started slowly with the Father Son combo easing into the game. Sohale took a while to get going but when he did the ground wasn’t quite big enough! Some lusty blows moved Bury on to 30-0. But a great spell of bowling from the opposition opener turned the game. Bury went from 30-0 to 33-3 in a flash with first Sohale and the Donny and The Captain departing cheaply. Conny came in a threatened to show some of the form that earned his promotion to number 5, but unfortunately an inside edge proved his undoing as he found mid wicket with a big shot. Callum came in and immediately the game started to move away from Edenfield at a rapid pace. The partnership moved past 50 but was cut short by a traditional moment of madness between the wickets and Callum was leaving the crease run out. Max and Ali also left in quick succession. But then the fireworks began. As Arslaan took a fancying to the Edenfield bowlers. Arslaan scored 45 from 23 to help post a huge total of 187-8. The batsman of the day was however Zain Khan who batted all the way through the innings for a superb 52, despite the testing conditions and despite wickets tumbling nothing phased the young man.Bury's bowling efforts continued where the batting left off as Arslaan tore through the top order with a supreme spell of 5-3-8-4 showing all the reasons why he is so vitally important. The Edenfield innings never really got off the ground and with wickets falling at regular intervals no momentum could be gained. There was plenty of rotation with the bowling and Patrick Potts deservedly took 2 well worked wickets. With Donny and Ali also chipping in with one a piece. Conny finished the job with 2 wickets at the end.All in all, a superb all round performance from a team that has high hopes for this season.As a new feature this season the Bury 3rd Team Stylish Player of the Match was Zain Khan for his superb batting display.Jonny Stackhouse (Captain)
Saturday saw Bury 1s travel to Sycamore Road on a lovely sunny day as we took on Walshaw.It was a bad start as the skipper lost the toss and Walshaw elected to bat on a very good wicket considering the recent wet weather. Walshaw got off to a solid start reaching 39-0 off their first 10 overs, then on came Gustav (the pigeon killer) Nolte for his first over for Bury and what a over it was picking up a double wicket maiden!A couple of overs later another change came about with Asif Iqbal taking the ball and just like Gustav’s over Asif picked up a wicket in is first over. At the drinks break the home side were 93/4, Rhodes and S. Bhojani started to build a partnership of just under the 50 mark before Alex (Bullshark) Breckin picked up Bhojani for a well made 48. Gustav came back on for his second spell alongside Mucky (Angry boy) Nasir to finish off the innings and to leave Walshaw 188 all out and Gustav finishing with his first Michelle Pfeiffer for the club.The Bury reply started without any drama until the 5th over when Walshaw’s overseas Connor Weal found his area with a fine spell of bowling, and ripped through the top order claiming the first 6 Bury wickets and finished with figures of 6 for 11. The only shining light within the Bury innings was a fine 32 not out by Mucky in the middle order and a partnership of 40 alongside Jacob (In the doghouse) Ramsay (19) as Bury were all out for 97.A lot to work at during the week but we go again next weekend as we host Heyside at Radcliffe Road.Jon Wiggans (Captain).
Our 2018 Handbook with all the fixtures and club information in is now available and can be picked up from the club or downloaded here
ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS!There will be a on Tuesday 17th April at 7.30pm at the club. This is to discuss and inform players of the new ECB change to Law 42 before the season. This meeting only applies to senior cricket, so any juniors that will be or are involved in senior cricket, it is essential that all attend so that your Captains and Club can explain these changes.If you are unable to attend for any reason please let me know.Wiggy
Our Spring 2018 Newsletter is now available, to read click here.
On Sunday 8th April we will be holding our Cricketforce and registration day.We will be getting the ground ready for the start of the season, there will be plenty of tasks to be done on the day for young and old alike. We need your help.More information will be added on the website nearer the day.
If you know of any 5 to 8 year old girls or boys who fancy having a go at cricket, Bury CC are again taking part in the ECB All Stars programme. Click here for more information:
Save the day, on the Bank Holiday of Monday 28th May our Family Fundraising Walk will take place in the late morning followed by an afternoon of 6/8 side womens softball cricket. This is for mums, sisters, cousins and friends, in fact anyone who wants to have fun. Turn up and play, experience not necessary, t-shirts and prosecco supplied.
In collaboration with Crusader Sports and Leisure Tours, Bury Cricket Club, numbers permitting will be heading to Sri Lanks watching the first test in Galle.Prices from£1685HotelsBed and Breakfast Flights Tickets for Test Transport Excursions All above in package price.For full information click hereTo book Contact Wayne Belston wayne@burycc.co.uk
WOMENS CRICKETWe would appreciate if you would forward this on to anyone in your family and friends who may be interested Hi Ladies, A fantastic opportunity has come about with Bury CC. We have a New Female coach who is eager to start the first Women's Cricket team within Bury CC. We have already begun putting plans into place; starting with a Women's softball festival at our own club on the 28th May and a second one on the 1st July. If you or any other women you know may be interested in learning new skills, alongside becoming part of a team in a fun welcoming environment. please contact us and we will organise a venue and some taster sessions for you to get involved in. Hope this sounds of interest and brings something new and refreshing to your 2018.Maddy Whitemaddy@burycc.co.uk07769581350
Full 1sr round Cup Draws are now online1st XI 1st Round to be played on May 6th2nd XI 1st Round to be played on April 29th3rd XI 1st Round to be played on May 13th
On Sunday 28th January the GMCL Annual General Meeting was held at Flixton Cricket Club.The notable points were as follows:Code of Conduct Meetings for Senior Captains are mandatoryGMCL League Handbooks will be issuedTHE GMCL is working with the home office and the ECB on the eligibilty of overseas playersGMCL Junior season will run from 23 April to 29 July with optional cup competitions taking place after the end of July.GMCL T20 starting week commencing May 14th finishing with the finals day on Sunday July 15. A minimum of 5 group games.Junior AGM at Elton Vale Cricket Club at 12.00 on Sunday 25th FebruarySenior Presentation Night will be at the Point, Old Trafford on 19th October.Cup Draws1st XI Derek Kay Cup 1st round Bury v. Woodbank Sunday 6th May2nd XI Cup 1st round Bury v. Worsley Sunday 29th April3rd XI Sunday Cup 1st round Bury v. Denton ST. Lawrence 13th May
On Friday 11th May at Pike Fold Golf Club in Bury we will be hosting our 6th Annual Golf Day.It will be our normal format, late morning arrival, Bacon Butties awaiting you, teams of four for an early afternoon shotgun start followed by our legendary prize giving and buffet afterwards.We are also looking for a main event sponsor, please contact me if you may be interested.I hope you will consider entering a team for what we know will be a great day. For more information please click here.All money raised will be used to support both junior and senior cricket at Bury Cricket Club.
At tonights AGM the following positions were filled:President: MK BrawnVice-President: David LeachChairman: Mark SmithTreasurer/Secretary: Alan Breckin1st Team Captain: Jon Wiggans2nd Team Captain: Chris PottsGeneral Committee: Paul Belston, Wayne Belston, Dave Bowen, Matthew Metcalfe, Andrew Parr, Jordan Smith, Jules SpencerChairmans Address:Inevitably when we come to think of the 2017 season we will remember the relegation of the 1st XI, but, as I have stressed on numerous occasions, Bury Cricket Club is more than just the 1st XI. Even so, as a club, we can treat the relegation of the 1st XI as a disaster or we can see it as an opportunity. We can decide we weren’t good enough and maybe never will be good enough or we can look at what we could have done better and where we can improve and put processes in place to achieve that improvement. Whilst you can be in no doubt that we will be aiming to return to the premier division at the first attempt failure to achieve this will not be a disaster providing we as a club can see progress.In fact despite the relegation it could be argued that the 1st progressed this year. They won the same number of games as last year, reached the cup final and were generally much more competitive throughout the year. Once again Karl did an admirable job in difficult circumstances. It is a mark of how competitive the GMCL Premier Division is that a side with 7 wins can go down in next to bottom place. We were unfortunate to lose at Woodbank, the coin toss at Walshaw was probably decisive and we were well on top against Bamford when rain ended the game. Had any two of those results come out differently then we would have survived. In the cup final Egerton ran out worthy winners having posted a challenging first innings total which we were unable to match. Disappointingly we used 22 players in the 1st XI this year and we found it difficult to select a settled side. I will return to this point later.Jamal once again led the way with the bat racking up over 818 runs. Our professional Kasun chipped in with 543 runs which was a disappointing return and he never really imposed himself on the opposition or around the club. That being said he was a delightful individual and we wish him well. Alex and Jon both also contributed nearly 500 runs. Bowling wise Alex and Mukthar both performed with the ball picking up 39 and 37 wickets respectively. We perhaps missed a third seamer to help them with Kasun and Casmond contributing 50 wickets between them.There will be some changes to the first team next year as already alluded to Kasun and Casmond will not be returning. Unfortunately Jamal will also be playing elsewhere this coming season. All three players leave with our best wishes and we hope to see them back soon. Karl has indicated that he would like to take some time out to recharge his batteries and spend time with his family. Once again thank you to Karl for his sterling efforts. Finally, Jordan has come to grief on the football pitch and will be unable to play this year. We welcome Matt Donnelly from Greenmount to fill the wicket-keeping vacancy and Asif Iqbal makes a return to the club after a number of years. Ben Gorton from Read joins us and will also be involved with coaching. Our overseas amateur this year will be Gustav a 19 year old opening bowler from Pretoria, South Africa, Our professional will be Innocent Kaia a Zimbabwean batting leg spinner with UK experience. The 2nd XI once again had a solid season under Chris’s leadership. ELPM and Roe Green looked to be the strongest teams in the division at the start of the season and despite our best efforts this proved to be the case as we finished a creditable though a little distant third. Usama Akram was our most effective run getter with 450, thought the undoubted highlight was Mumtaz’s 160 against Egerton. The ever dependable Arshad Raza picked up 38 wickets and was well supported by Usman and Majid with 32 and 27 wickets. The 2nds picked 30 players during the season and not one player was available for every fixture. On the positive side this did allow a number of juniors to get exposure to 2nd XI cricket and there were many pleasing performances which can only bode well for the future. I congratulate Chris on his ability to juggle player availability so adeptly. On another note the 2nd XI do need a regular umpire for next season. If anyone knows of one, or would like to do it, or just umpire a few games, please see me after the meeting.The 3rd XI had a mixed season with some very good performances both collectively and individually. On the whole the club fielded a very young 3rd XI and this showed in the inconsistent performances. Despite this going into September the 3rds had an outside chance of winning the title but a combination of poor weather and a couple of defeats put paid to that. It was noticeable that the standard of opposition was somewhat erratic ranging from some poor sides to some stronger sides containing players who were emphatically not of a 3rd XI standard. Nevertheless, what other clubs do is up to them. We will continue to use the 3rd XI as a showcase for our junior talent, rotating them in and out to give opportunities to as many players as possible, and including senior players to provide experience. Inevitably, given the rotation policy a large number of players featured. Jon Stackhouse scored the most runs with 185 and Suliman Sarosh led the wicket taking with 10. Highlights that spring to mind include Ali Hassan’s 100 in the first game of the season and Joe Mitchell’s 5 for and 49 not out at Newton, and of course who could forget Jon Stackhouse coming to grief outside the Co-op. Where appropriate for next season we will try to run a friendly XI alongside some 3rd XI games to provide more opportunities for our juniors. However, we do require senior players to support this so as to avoid mismatches and provide the necessary guidance (and in some cases transport).A theme of this evening has been player availability and to some degree commitment. At the end of the season we had a player’s meeting where this was discussed. There was a full and frank exchange of views and if I am honest more heat than light was generated. Some things were poorly expressed and I would once again like to apologise for anyone who was upset. On the positive side it was clear how much passion there is for the club. In a perfect world we would have a squad of 40 players across our 3 teams who were available across twenty of the twenty two weeks. For whatever reasons we are miles away from achieving this and I doubt we ever will. I also doubt that there are many clubs in the country who can boast this. Nevertheless we should try to make every effort to improve our availability. I would also like a greater (off field) commitment from the players. Last year I talked about the level of subs being unsustainable at their present level if you, the players, did not bring in more money through ball sponsorship and fundraising. Regrettably the response was underwhelming and the new committee will undoubtedly have to revisit this. Even more regrettably we had to cancel the annual dinner due to low numbers. A number of regular (non-playing) attendees were not available but the number of players who would have been in attendance was frankly pathetic. I believe that the annual dinner is a great tradition and one of the things that makes this...
These are the 3rd XI Fixtures GMCL League Fixtures for the 2018 season. To download click here
These are our GMCL 1st and 2nd XI League Fixtures, to download click here
Junior Winter Sessions restart on Wednesday 24th January.6.15 – 7pm, All Stars 7-8 yr olds6.15 – 7.30pm, U9 & U117.30 – 8.45pm, U13 & U15All at Bury College. Players new and old are very welcome
We start our pre-season with two friendlies away to Heywood Cricket Club on Saturday 14th April and away to Chorley Cricket Club on Sunday 15th April. These will be a combined teams with players from both our first and second teams playing on both days.
Please see the link to the 2018 revised fixturesClick Here Saturday CricketPLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE CHANGES TO DIVISION 4 WEST AND 5 WESTIn 4 WEST - Fixtures for Blackley and Friends United have swapped.In 5 WEST the fixtures against Friends Sporting have changed.Sunday CricketWe now have an incredible 66 teams in our Sunday Competition with 20 new teams for 2018 as we welcome 3 new clubs into GMCL - Little Hulton CC and Little Lever CC from the Bolton competition alongside a team from Cheshire, Kerridge CC.There are also extra teams from current GMCL members Whalley Range CC, Friends United CC, Edgworth CC and East Lancs Paper Mill CC as their membership has increased. Glodwick CC add a 4th team to their 3rd XI entry in 2017 and Prestwich CC and Greenfield CC 3rd XIs move to Sunday for 2018. Further to this we welcome 10 teams from the former Pennine League to give us a very strong Sunday competition for #GMCL2018.To accommodate many factors, we have moved to 8 Divisions, retaining a Premier League, Divisions 1A, 1B, 1C & 1D and Divisions 2A, 2B, 2C. We have allocated promotions to those who achieved success in 2017 and we have also looked at the numbers of games not played for a host of reasons in 2017 so now the maximum teams per division is 9. Also impacting is that many clubs have requests not to play on different Sundays across the season where they have community events, long standing local matches, charity events or celebrations and we have tried to accommodate as many requests as possible. If you have a fixture clash from the fixtures published below or you spot a flaw in the fixtures please e-mail fixtures@gtrmcrcricket.co.uk .At the Sunday third tier, where there were many games not played last year and where there are teams requesting fewer games we have 1 division of 8 and 2 divisions of 7. For those who want more games there will be a list of teams from across the competition who don’t have a game each week and teams can make arrangements for additional matches on available days. Of course, there are cup matches to play as well.The huge change arising from the increased participation is the much improved regionalisation so more local games for most. There are games against clubs on the outer perimeter of our region but these are few in number, but bear in mind that the clubs on the outer edge have to travel further to every away game and are willing to do that for the competition we provide.
To access a list of all junior club contacts in the GMCL click here
The 2018 Bury Cricket Club AGM will be held in the pavilion on Thursday 25th January 2018 at 8pm. All fully paid up Senior members, and Junior members who have played Senior Cricket are entitled to vote.Proposers/seconders for any post can be sent via email to alan@burycc.co.uk
Enclosed is the updated GMCL Code of Conduct for 2018 including revised procedures and penalties across the 4 Levels which all now attract a ban. We advise all players and members to read the attached documents. The rules are clear, indisciplne will not be tolerated and the penalties are quite rightly severe and far reaching, equally no excuses will be tolerated by the club for anyone being ignorant of the rules. GMCL Disciplinary Regulations & Code of Conduct Appendix 2 for Printing
The latest GMCL January 2018 Newsletter can be downloaded here
Bury Cricket Club indoor nets begin today, Sunday 19th January from 2:30 to 4:00pm at Derby High School, Radcliffe Road, Bury. BL9 9NH. New players welcome.
Fri 6th Oct 7pm for 7.30pm Guest Speaker is the interesting & humorous Australian ex Somerset & Derbyshire Cricketer Peter Bowler - as you know your support at this event is vital & appreciated .Tkts are £27.50 pp please text Paul B Matt M or Alan B to reserve your tickets .
in our last match of the season at Prestwich. Nathan joined Northamptonshire from Lancashire this year and is a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler.
With the rain starting at around midday, prospects did not look good for this key Sunday Division 1B game between Bury and Stand. The teams were second and third in the table, and hoping to make up ground on the leaders Glodwick.Having looked at the weather forecast, both captains agreed to a shortened game of 25 over per side and the home side won the toss and invited Bury to bat. Donovan Flaherty and Joe Mitchell opened up and the final ball of the over saw Donny clean bowled by Solis for 2. After running a bye, Jonny Stackhouse hit a beautiful 6 over midwicket from his first ball but was then clean bowled by Nuttall leaving Bury at 9-2. Mitchell (5*) and Gary Foreman (12*) played a watchful game in the drizzle until at the end of the 10th over, the umpires decided that the rain was to heavy to carry on with Bury on 26-2.Despite taking an early tea, there was no improvement in the weather and the game was abandoned. In terms of the result , this was disappointing for both sides but they and the umpires should be given all credit for attempting to get the game on.Next week (Sunday 10th) sees the final home game for the club as a whole as the 3rds take on local rivals Unsworth who lie 4th with a game in hand on the leaders. A good game is in prospect !!Roger Mitchell
Bury 224-8 - Flixton 227-2On a very good batting wicket, league leaders Flixton eased to an 8 wicket win over hosts Bury 1st XI, a win which leaves Bury with a very difficult task to ensure their Premier League status going into the last 2 weeks.Flixton captain Steven Hammond won the toss and elected to bowl first and Bury came out of the blocks quickly, looking to complete the double over their opponents. Mohammed Jamal and Jon Wiggans opened up and took the game to the opening bowlers, Hammond and Kamran Basharat. Vice-captain Wiggans (11) was caught in the slips by Luke Perry in the sixth over, a wicket that brought Bury pro Kasun Vidura Adikari to the crease. However, the wicket failed to slow down the home team’s scoring, with an Adikari six helping Bury to 63-1 after just 9 overs.With the bowling proving to be expensive, there were early changes made for Flixton, with spin duo Usman Tariq and Alton Beckford brought into the bowling attack within the first 10, and it was the latter who removed Jamal (36) in the 12th over at 68-2.After Jamal’s departure, Adikari took over the role of driving the acceleration, despite the run out of Fraser Parr (4) early on in his innings. A Casmond Walters six off Tariq over long off just before drinks took Bury to 131-3 at the halfway point, and Adikari’s 50 came up two balls later from 63 balls. Walters’ quick innings was ended when Johan Wessels entered the attack, from a good diving catch by Beckford for 26.Mukhtar Nasir played a good supporting role and looked in good touch, before he was bowled by Tariq for 16, with the spinner also quickly accounting for Mumtaz Mirza and Usama Akram, before Sam Nolan-Massey was stumped off his fourth delivery by keeper Alex Heaton off the bowling of Beckford. Captain Karl Belston stuck with the still unbeaten Adikari, who completed his maiden Bury century in the 48th over from 109 balls. He ended up with 109*, and Bury closed their innings on a competitive 224-8.The second innings began in similar fashion to the 1st, with bat dominating ball early on. Usman Tariq and Luke Perry, with over 1000 runs between them this season, opened for the visitors and gave their side a great start, at 42-0 after the first 5 overs. With usual opener Alex Breckin missing for Bury, spinner Casmond Walters was thrown the ball to open the bowling with Mukhtar Nasir, but the latter didn’t find his rhythm in his first couple of overs, and was replaced by centurion Adikari, who in turn only bowled one over all day, which went for 15. Wiggans was brought on to replace Adikari at the Bury Church End, and he and Walters stemmed the flow of runs, but neither could find a breakthrough.The second innings was briefly interrupted in the fourteenth over, due to an incident to umpire Ray Austin. Perry pushed Sam Nolan-Massey’s second ball into the leg side for a quick single, with Adikari having a shy at the stumps, but unfortunately he only hit the umpire’s leg. Austin was okay to continue, and the Flixton flurry also continued, with the help of 32 extras, including 25 wides from the Bury bowlers. Massey’s fourth over went for 17 runs, with Perry landing both fours and sixes, taking the league leaders to 117-0 after just 20 overs.Mumtaz Mirza entered the Bury 1st XI attack for the first time this season, and it was he who eventually brought the breakthrough wicket of Tariq (85) in the 31st over, caught by Jamal at long off. In the next over, the returning Nasir took the wicket of Perry (74), caught by Casmond Walters, but it was too little too late for Bury, with Hammond and Wessels seeing Flixton over the line to claim a 6 point and 8 wicket win, with 13.5 overs to spare.With Egerton later recording a tie with second-placed Woodbank, this was a win for Flixton that almost secured them the GMCL Premier League title, but leaves Bury in a very difficult position, being 9 points from safety with only 2 games remaining, going into games at home to already-relegated Glossop (2/9) and away at Prestwich (9/9) who are themselves one of the four clubs looking to claim that final position in next year’s Premier League.James Weston
11th takes on 12th in the penultimate 1st XI game of the season. Bury will be looking to bounce back after being well beaten by Flixton last week whilst Glossop travel on the back of a great victory against former leaders Bamford Fieldhouse.
Bury 147-9 - Springhead 140-7Victory against a gritty Springhead 2nd XI saw Bury 3rd XI move into second spot in the Sunday Division 1B, 7 points behind leaders Glodwick but with a game in hand.After winning the toss, Bury captain Johnny Stackhouse decided to bat and openers Joe Mitchell (15) and Harvey Fairclough (24) set off well but both went quickly and at the end of the 14th over, the home side were 48-2. Zain Khan (27) and Ahmad Bin Hussain (24) carried on in a similar vein but some tight bowling was slowing the rate a little. Stackhouse and Mike Conn pushed things on a bit with Conn’s bright and breezy 20 from 13 balls raising hopes of a bigger score but this was not to be despite a late flurry from Sully Sarosh (12) who ended the innings not out along with Josh Bowen.148 to win was by no means an impossible target but the visitors began badly when Sully removed Wilde for 6. Davis-Rice (25) and Shaw (28) soon got going but the introduction of spin from Mitchell and Hussain began to put the pressure back on. First, Shaw fell to a sharp catch from veteran keeper Andrew Mather off Mitchell then Arslaan Shah and Hussain combined to run out Grimes before Mitchell struck again, bowling Davis-Rice. When seam was reintroduced, both Conn and Bowen took wickets but Rice (38*) was proving to be a thorn in Bury’s side. Sully managed to dismiss Wrigglesworth and Springhead were left needing 14 off the last over but they only managed 6 meaning that Bury ran out winners by 7 runs.With four games left, Stand (A), Unsworth (H & A) and Whalley Range (A) the thirds need to work hard to see if they can catch the leaders and complete a very susccessful season.Roger Mitchell
Greenmount CC 283-5 - Bury CC 216-9After a few late changes, Bury CC 2nd XI set off for Greenmount with a good blend of youth and experience, four u18s and one u15 alongside some older-stagers. Captain James Stone won the toss and asked the hosts to bat which looked a very good decision as they were restricted to a mere 18 from the first thirteen overs thanks to some miserly bowling from Arshad Raza and Usman Afridi. The one wicket to fall came from a good catch in the covers by Ahmad Bin Hussain off Afridi. The second wicket came when junior leg-spinner Lleyton Belston coaxed a false shot from Foy and Ali Hassan made good ground from mid-off to take the catch at mid-on. Donnelly and new man McNaughton then began to push the run rate upwards until Donnelly (41) was caught by Sam Leach in the covers off Matt Metcalfe putting the score on 108-3. Willetts (2) was next to go, bowled by Afridi but with McNaughton, after being dropped a couple of times, now firmly in charge, the home side began to pile on the runs and he ended the innings with a magnificent 152 not out from 90 balls which included ten 4s and thirteen 6s, one of which is probably somewhere near Woodbank CC as we speak. Credit must also go to Banks who, after a slow start, moved quickly on to an unbeaten 50 as Greenmount finished on 283-4.This target was going to be a major test of character for Bury and they set off well with Stone taking 9 off the first over. In the second though he offered a return catch to bowler Crawford but the ball shot through his hands, clipped the bails and the unfortunate Hassan was run out. Stone then made good partnerships first with Hussain (24) and then Ikky Gorsi and Bury were going along well and keeping up to the required rate. When Stone went for 45, Leach (18) and Gorsi (75) carried on the good work until Gorsi was bowled by one that stayed very low. The later batsmen were unable to keep up the required rate so after some frantic arithmetic on the balcony, the 75% total was worked out to be 213 and the final pair of Belston and Metcalfe got the us over the line and kept their wickets intact to gain the batting bonus point at 216-9. Williams was the pick of the Greenmount bowlers taking 6-54.Bury should take somepositives from this performance as they could have easily lost heart and been skittled for less than a hundred but everyone worked hard to ensure that we did not let ourselves down.Roger Mitchell
Newton CC 190 ao - Bury CC 190-3After last week’s debacle at league leaders Glodwick, the 3rds travelled to Hyde, the home of Newton CC, hoping for a good team performance to get the season back on track. Matt Metcalfe’s afternoon began badly and having lost the toss Bury were invited to bowl.Things looked up quickly when Michael Conn took a sharp chance at gully off the bowling of Sully Sarosh and Arslaan removed the other opener to leave the home side on 9-2. The more experienced pair of Stringer and Pottage though, set about repairing the damage and were soon taking the attack back to the visitors. The bowling was flayed to all parts of the ground and beyond leaving Bury with their final match-ball and, at drinks,Newton were 164-2 with Pottage on 107. Bury were staring down the barrel of a 300+ total and a second consecutive defeat.As sometimes happens, the break proved the batsman’s undoing as new bowler Joe Mitchell, with the first ball after the interval, bowled Pottage with one that “stayed low”. This was the break that the visitors needed and when Mitchell removed the next batter in the same over, things began to look a little better for Bury with Newton on 168-4. Metcalfe’s afternoon improved a couple of overs later when, with the grace of a Gloucestershire cheese roller, he accelerated down the hill at warp speed and took a great catch to dismiss Stringer for 43 off the bowling of Zain Khan. Mitchell picked up a further 3 wickets including 2 caught & bowled and two run outs courtesy of Zain and Arslaan saw the collapse complete on a total of 189.Mitchell and Harvey Fairclough opened up the Bury innings and in a bizarre incident were unlucky not to get a “6” when, after running 2, the throw cannoned off Harvey’s bat and crossed the boundary. The umpires decided that only the “runs” should count, so 2 it was ! The openers put on 47 in 12 overs before Harvey decided to charge the bowler who clean bowled him for 15. Fraser Parr was next in and he upped the run rate scoring a bright and breezy 22 at more than a run a ball before being bowled from a full toss that looked a little above waist height. Next up was Jonny Stackhouse who increased the run rate still further with a 68, that included 6 maximums and 4 boundaries, off a mere 40 balls. When he left at 171-3 with 10 overs remaining a Bury win was looking inevitable. As the winning total neared, Zain (2*) did his best to get Mitchell back on strike but in the end, a wide ball saw the Bury victory complete and Mitchell stranded on 49* just short of his maiden 50.Following the previous week’s disheartening performance, this match saw everyone pulling in the same direction with a much more positive spirit which bodes well for the season’s run-in. The game will be remembered for a number of the incidents covereed above but extra mentions should go to James Weston who, despite numerous attempts, was unable to demolish the perimeter fence; Joe Mitchell who informed the umpire that the ball that landed on someone’s conservatory roof WAS a “6”; and the 8 Bury players pushing a seriously listing sightscreen up the hill before it toppled over.Roger Mitchell
Many thanks to Dan Rowe who delivered a thought provoking session on mental health and mental preparation for sport on behalf of Opening Up Cricket. This was a very worthwhile session and we would advise anyone to get involved with it openingupcricket
On Friday, Fraser Parr, will lead out the Bury CC All Stars Group onto the pitch at Old Trafford for the first day of the England v South Africa test match.
This Saturday we are pleased to welcome Endurance Doors as our Match Day Sponsors in our game against Flixton. Endurance Doors are one of countries leading suppliers of composite doors, for more information please visit their website http://endurancedoors.co.uk
With a large number of new clubs joining the GMCL in the 2018 season a new structure has been announced The GMCL are pleased to be able to publish our revised structure for 2018, on time, following the 17 applications to join the league at the end of June.. Read the document
On Monday 7th August our Under 18's are in the Final of the GMCL Under 18's Cup Final against Flowey Field, we won the toss to host the the game and it will start at 6.00, come down to watch the next generation of Bury senior cricketers. All are welcome with the pavilion open for drinks and snacks.
The Latest TV Highlights from yesterdays Match against Walshaw are now online, to view all match highlights from this season click here
After Saturdays wins for both the 1sts and the 2nds against Walshaw the firsts move up one place in the Premier League whilst the seconds consolidate their third place in Division 4 West. On Sunday our thirds travel to Denton Cricket Club, wickets pitched at 2.00
This week at Bury Cricket Club we are pleased to host two great games of cricket. On Tuesday 1st August we have the opportunity to watch the Red Rose against the White Rose as the Lancashire Under 17’s Girls take on the Yorkshire Under 17’s Girls in the Royal London County Championship, Yorkshire currently top the table with Lancashire in second place. Wickets Pitched at 12.00, this will be a 45 over game. On Thursday 3rd August we host a GMCL Select XI against the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy. Four players from the Zimbabwe squad whom played in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan - Ryan Burl, Tarisai Musakanda, Carl Mumba and Richard Ngarava -have been picked in the Zimbabwe Academy squad. Former Zimbabwe captain, Tatenda Taibu will lead the coaching and is supported by former Zimbabwe team-mate Stuart Matsikenyeri. Wickets pitched at 11.00, this will be a 50 over game. The opportunity of seeing these young cricketers is one not to be missed, the pavilion will be open for food and drink on both days.
Big, big game sees everyone's favourite derby match, Bury v Walshaw. Bury will be looking for revenge after losing at Sycamore Road in a rain affected match in May.Only 4 points seprate the teams with the visitors in 9th spot and Bury in 11th but Walshaw arrive on the back of a great victory over then division-leaders Bamford Fieldhouse on their own pitch last week.Bury also had a strong weekend as well, losing very narrowly to Denton St Lawrence (away) on Friday in the GMCL20 Q Final then beating Egerton at home to make up ground against them in the relegation dogfight. The weekend ended with a home victory, albeit an unsatisfactory bowl-off one, against DSL in the cup semi to set up a final tie with Egerton !Bury / Walshaw games are always keenly contested affairs and with the added spice of relegation safety thrown in this should be a great game.
Team selection took place after the Punch and Judy show, Wayne and Mash did the pier walk leaving the younger element to spend a penny in arcades, Dom came up trumps redeeming what he thought were poker style chips to find they were only refundable for fruit salad chews, his pockets were bulging and given yesterday's performance any form of sugar rush to get his feet moving was welcomed. Rendezvous was all going to plan first wave of players and spectators were well into the Galleon fish and chips , SueBowen was well into her pitcher , this time fortunately it was a large costa and we all mosied back to penhryn avenue when CEO read out a tx from raza " hi Wayne checking I'm at the right ground, it is next to the council offices and as its 1.30 no one is here " umm Conwy doesn't have the same ring as Colwyn. Skipper for day Wiggy decided to buckthe trend and have a bowl and Colwyn finished on a healthy 210 with pro Rumesh Buddika stroking his way to 136 of them not out , there was a brief moment where he was on 99 wiggy managed to get him to top edge one straight down mashersthroat , unfortunately he wasn't aware and by the time he had completed a triple salcho re checked the height speed and velocity and he had tried to remove his glasses and hat all at the same time it was obviously in the airlong enough for Wayne to shout he's on 99 Mash, that proved to be a bridge tofar , in mashers defence he did land in the same vicinity but the idea of the keeper offering his gloves to do the necessary was lost and the pro duly obliged took the single and his quest for runs at the death was still in full flow. Somehow our second innings was turned upside down , literally and the upside down batting order got off to a slow sticky start Joe Mitchell pushed prodded and probed and to his credit scored a respectable 28 and with Kasun finding mid wicket Bury were soon behind the 8ball when Joe started the usual cannonball effect of tumbling wickets with James, Fraser , Harvey on debut being removed first ball , Masher all offering little resistance. A brief cameo from raza trying to makeup his earlier misdemeanour and few runs here and there somehow got us over 100just ,enter skipper Wiggy who's Russian roulette style tactics of running it to the wire was giving the spectators little hope of avoiding a whitewash began rebuilding playing an array of shots around the ground and swiftly moved into double figures , but it was Jamal who caught the eye with some thoroughbred stroke play , tinged with some lusty blows which resulted in half dozen maximums , and suddenly Bury had a sniff albeit the brains trust of watching captain chairman and Domo had wasp at 0% with 30 still needed and couple of overs left , once again Jamal proved to be the man for the big occasion and more powerful hitting to all corners remarkably brought us to the last ball ,scores were tied, unfortunately Usman's words of wisdom from the none strikers sent Jamals brain into scramble mode and his skip down the wicket to the last ball only managed to turn it into a yorker and it somehow managed to find it into the bowlers hand who did the necessary and ran him out. After a mixture of sighs, boos, and cheers had broken out it dawned on everyone what a good game of cricket had been achieved and Bury were thankful of the tie thus avoiding the whitewash and everyone was happy. Big thanks to all who took the time outto support and take part in another successful tour , special mention to James Weston who managed to complete a full week of tour with the boys ,unfortunately his hotels were located in Bangor and Colwyn Bay but he still managed to be heavily involved albeit from a distance , tour week was moved to encompass school holidays this year and it's hoped it will be supported infuture years by all connected to the club in young, old , past and present players and families to ensure the acquaintances and memories live on for the good name of the club and those who helped forge those links. Wayne
Day 2 tour blog Bubba Chubba Hayhurst cleaned up on the crazy golf and then rounded up tourparty for speedboat run. Seating arrangements were apportioned by the captain but upon leaving the bay at 10 knots it wasn't long before the Mayday call was put in with a reported ballast issue starboard, it was reported T20 captain Dominic, Big C and Joey had been inadvertently placed together. T20 eventually started once James Weston had recovered the score book from Bangor or was it Colwyn Bay ? A reasonable effort from Bury inthe bowling department with Ussy, Josh and the miserly Joe Mitchell Mickelson but catches win matches and this proved not to be the case with Raza spillingcouple of dollies. A challenging 135 was set to win. Dom certainly didn't live up to expectations with new responsibilities as captain proving tobig of a burger I mean burden. First ball, poles separated; send for Fraser whowas intent on the head in the air complete with back swing technique. Neverfails and an airborne catch to mid-on brought Big C to the wkt. Him and Joeyset about the opposition in the same fashion with Big C squirting one to point, Moz fell into the deep backward point trap and Bury were reeling at 44/4. Joeycontinued to gain some valuable time at crease obviously for his new found team St Chads and eventually fell for a spirited 23. Bits and pieces for Raza and Max got us nearing the giddy 80s and a brief cameo from Usman got us to 100. 2 defeats leaves us looking at a clean sweep for Wales with Colwyn Bay in sights. Less of the same and a night in Wetherspoons to clear the heads leaves us in a positive frame of mind. Wayne (TourCEO) .
Tour blog Day 1 consists of few words after first day ..Fraser gets out to Wales international u14 .Girl !!! Joey looking to make amends in favoured format t20 .. Joe Mitchell looking to adapt squirt through legs as opposed to stumps. Today's performances make selection for Llandudno all to play for ..tour manger headache could throw anything up after toboggan and speedboat initiation 10am sharp. Wayne Tour CEO There was Something Missing from Day one, Wayen Belston stunning catch whilst standing as square leg umpire, the ball was struck, James Weston started to move to catch and Tour CEO Belstons hand appeared from nowhere and the umpire took a stunning catch before James could get his hands on it. Mark
Congratulations to all our u9s players on your super achievement of playing 24 games and winning all 24 ! As you know we are not a win at all costs club and we are more development focused rather than results focused - however this achievement should be celebrated especially as it was done in a sporting manner. I am proud to have played a small part in the setting up of this group with a base of how we do things, but a massive thank you and well done to managers Nick Mills & Neil Smith for all their voluntary work and all parental support. Well done, keep working hard over the coming weeks as your hardball practices will now become very important CC U9`s end season by winning 24 of 24 games played - whilst emphasis has rightly been on development this is a great achievement as they have also played the game in the right spirit Bury CC U11`s - sit in 2nd spot of GMCL U11 Table Bury CC U13 - have had a difficult season but are now organising extra training sessions and development friendliesBury CC U15`s - through to GMCL `Finals Day` Bury CC U18`s - through to GMCL U18 Cup Final and will play Flowery Field CC at Bury CC on a date to be arrangedAll our junior teams now await an extra round of fixtures to be published - hopefully asap ...........Paul
Tonight, Monday 24th July are at home in the semi final of the GMCL Under 15's cup against Whalley Range, start time 6.00, pavilion open for drinks.
On Sunday 13th August at Greenmount Cricket Club, Bury Cricket Club will play Egerton Cricket Club in the Final of Derek Kay1st XI Per-Fit GMCL Cup. In the Semi Final Bury scored 158, in reply only 15 overs were able to be bowled and DSL finished on 69-4 before the umpires took the players off. As there was insufficient play for a result a bowl out took place with Bury being the victors.
Bury Cricket Club and The Burleigh Bullsharks are excited to announce that Alex Breckin will spend the winter In Australia playing under one of our previous captains Simon Belston. Alex has just graduated from University of Liverpool after completing his Business Management Degree and at the age of 22 is ready to embark on an overseas season of cricket down under!Brecko, as he is more affectionately known, is a strong left arm bowler and left handed middle order batsman that will add great variation and depth to the club. He has knocked up 3357 runs at an average of 30.24 as well as taking 212 wickets at an average of 17.57 for his home club Bury CC. Brecko has representative honours under his belt after being selected to represent Lancashire in the U/15 and U/17 divisions also.Both clubs are excited by this venture which hopefully lead to a long term collaboration.
New arrival for our Captain Karl Belston, both mum and baby doing well, 8lb 14oz, Parker John Eric Belston . The newest member of the Bury cricket Club family.
This weekend our three senior teams are in action, on Friday our 1st team are in the T20 quarter finals at Denton St Lawrence, on Saturday our second team are at home to Egerton whilst our firsts travel to Egerton, both games in the League. On Sunday our 1sts are at home to Denton St Lawrence in the quarter finals of the Derek Kay Per-Fit Cup and our third team play a friendly at Austerlands.
Update: End of Season Bash at Chester races: I am starting to collect deposits. £30 please. Deposit secures your spot so don't be disappointed with only 16 tickets available. Mini bus already booked. Thanks, Karl to Chester Races is taking place Saturday 16th September. All are welcome, the price will be about £50 including admission and travel. If you are interested e-mail Karl at karl@burycc.co.uk
We intend to run a club tour to Sri Lanka in October 2018 to watch the Sri Lanka v. England Test Match, for all the details click here
The latest Match Highlights from this weekends senior games are available on line to watch at Bury CC TV. Go direct to our website page, to watch now click here
Our Annual Club Dinner will take place on Friday 6th October. More information to follow.
On Tuesday 25th July we start our Cricket tour of North Wales with a 40 over game against Bangor followed on Wednesday 26th July with golf in the daytime and an evening T20 against Llandudno and climaxing on Thursday with our annual game against Colwyn Bay, if you are interested in playing contact wayne@burycc.co.uk All are welcome to watch.
This weekends live Bury Cricket Club TV games are our second team at home to Tottington St Johns on Saturday with a 1.30 start and on Sunday our first team is at home to Woodbank with a 1.00 start. Both games can be watched by clicking here
Our 1st XI have been drawn at home to Denton St Lawrence in the semi-final of the Derek Kay Per-Fit 1st XI Cup, in the other semi final Egerton will be at home to Denton West.
Our firsts went through to the Derek Kay 1st XI Per-Fit Windows Cup Semi Final after a 7 wicket win against Edgworth. Our visitors batted first and were bowled out in the 49th over scoring 166 with Brett Ernst top scoring with 73. Mohammed Jamal top scored with 79 not out as we reached the target in the 41st over for a seven wicket victory.
THURSDAY OPENING UP SESSION IS NOW ARRANGED, FOR THIS THURSDAY 3rd AUGUST AT 7.30 On Thursday 3rd August all cricketers over the age of 16 are invited to join us for a special training session being hosted by Dan from opening up cricket. This will take at the club and last about 30 minutes and will take place within our normal training activities. This session through Opening Up Cricket promotes mental wellbeing through cricket, we would appreciate all senior cricketers attend, for more information have a look at openingupcricket.com
This Sunday our under 13's team play against Winton. The start time has been confirmed as 9.15am prompt. This game will be shown live on My Action Replay.
The draw was made earlier for the next two rounds of the GMCL Archway T20 Cup.We have been drawn at home against Greenmount on Friday 7th July.The winners of this tie will play the winners of Elton Vale and Denton St Lawrence in the next round.The full draw for this and the next round is as follows:Flixton v Flowery FieldWalshaw v Bamford FieldhouseBury v GreenmountElton v EdenfieldRoe Green v HeywoodDenton West v DentonStretford v CliftonElton Vale v Denton St LawrenceThe Quarter Finals have also been drawn , these ties will be played on Friday 21st July.Flixton or Flowery Field v Roe Green or HeywoodElton or Edenfield v Denton West or DentonWalshaw or Bamford Fieldhouse v Stretford or CliftonElton Vale or Denton St Lawrence v Bury or Greenmount
The 1sts are home on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. On Saturday we play Prestwich in the League and on Sunday Edgworth in the cup. Both games will be live streamed on Facebook by My Action Replay.
We can confirm that the GMCL Junior season at U11 / U13 / U15 / U18 will extend with a minimum of 4 possibly 6 extra fixtures. Further information will be provided as we receive it.Thanks everyone.Paul Belston
This weekend is a double header for both the 1sts and 2nds, league on Saturday and the last 8 of both of the Cups.On Saturday the 1sts entertain Prestwich at the Radcliffe Road Oval whilst the 2nds travel to Winton. Both games will be shown live on BuryCCTV.On Sunday the 1sts are at home to Edgworth in the quarter finals of the Derek Kay PerFit Cup. Whilst the 2nds travel to Roe Green in the 2nd XI Cup. The 1sts game will be shown live on BuryCCTV.
We had the above diary dated for Sunday July 30th in the calendar at beginning of year and although like everything we could have moved on it earlier , groundwork has been a big burden this year and taken up more time than I thought but I think we all agree we can see wood from the trees in that area and now feel we can push on. I would like to invite as many people as possible to a meeting to discuss how we can make it a successful day on and off the pitch , we have some details formulated on how we see the day progressing 8 teams - 10am -6pm with a real family day feel for the club, children’s rides, attractions,burgers,bar, entertainment etc lots of volunteers would be needed on and off the pitch and if you feel you could help please try to find the time to meet at the club for 30 min’s Tuesday 27th June 7.15pm and I can gauge a feel as to what we can achieve , generally when we do something as a club it's a day to remember so no reason to think otherwise. I would welcome any thoughts and ideas and although I have a formula which I think would work , I have an open mind and can't pull it off on my own, if you can’t make the meeting please make yourself known if you could help. Cheers Wayne
Bury 2nds v ELPM 1sts will be shown live on Facebook at My Action Replay this Saturday. To view click here.
A proud day for Bury Cricket Club under 13 Scott W as he represents Lancashire Disability against Cheshire Disability at Middleton cricket club.
Bury CC are getting on the digital front foot by launching a new club website in partnership with CricHQ.Fully mobile responsive and packed with features, the new site will look great across all screen sizes, especially your mobile when following Bury CC on the go.New features on the site include highlighted areas for top performers, comprehensive playing statistics, and a brand new match centre for following every aspect of Bury CC on the field.For all information from Juniors to the 1st XI, the new site will become your essential port of call for all Bury CC related information.