Glossop 140ao vs Prestwich 188 for 9
On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, Glossop CC 1st XI hosted Prestwich CC in an important GMCL Premier League 2 clash for Glossop’s survival. Despite early promise, Glossop ultimately missed the opportunity to secure a much-needed win, as they were defeated by 48 runs after failing to chase a revised target of 188.
The day started positively for Glossop, who won the toss and elected to field. With a disciplined bowling attack, they aimed to restrict Prestwich to a manageable total. Early breakthroughs came when James Eyre and William Hargreaves struck key blows, dismissing Stuart Els (32) and Sam Kershaw (9). However, the Prestwich top order, led by Tom Gibson, played patiently, accumulating runs to steady the innings. Gibson’s well-crafted 64 off 124 balls formed the backbone of Prestwich’s total, while captain and wicketkeeper James Wharmby added a valuable 45 runs off 69 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Glossop’s bowlers toiled hard, with William Hargreaves emerging as the standout performer, claiming 3-56 in his 15 overs. James Eyre and professional player Irosh Samarasooriya also contributed, each picking up two wickets. Despite some strong individual performances with the ball, Glossop missed opportunities in the field, including some crucial dropped catches, which allowed Prestwich to add valuable runs toward the end of the innings. Lower-order resistance from Lewis Smith (10) and useful contributions from extras (20) helped Prestwich reach a respectable total of 187-9 from their allotted 50 overs.
Glossop's task was then to chase a revised target of 188, which was achievable but required a strong start. Unfortunately, their innings began on a shaky note as they lost David Wilde for just 2 runs in the second over. Lee Dale and Chris Gill formed the backbone of the innings, with Dale playing a determined and patient knock, scoring 40 off 122 balls. Gill, slightly more aggressive in his approach, struck 34 runs off 58 balls, including four boundaries.
The pair seemed to steady the ship, taking the score to 55. However, just as they began to build momentum, Gill was caught off the bowling of Prestwich’s sub-professional, Pramod Maduwantha. From there, Glossop's middle order collapsed under pressure. Irosh Samarasooriya looked to inject some energy into the chase with a brisk 22 off 33 balls, but his run-out due to a sharp piece of fielding from Ryan Maddock proved to be a turning point. Wickets continued to tumble, as Andrew Cadd, Daniel Senior, and Matt Sonczak all fell cheaply.
With the top and middle order dismantled, the tail had too much to do. Sam Elliott fought valiantly with an unbeaten 16, but tight bowling from Nathan Bailey (3-46) and Andy Bradley (2-26) ensured Glossop were bowled out for 140 in 45.3 overs, well short of the target.
The defeat will sting for Glossop, especially given the opportunities they missed throughout the game. In the field, dropped chances and lapses in concentration allowed Prestwich to accumulate more runs than they might have, and their batting lacked the partnerships necessary to mount a successful chase. With run-outs and lower-order wickets falling cheaply, the middle and lower order crumbled under pressure. This missed opportunity cost Glossop valuable points in their attempt to maintain their premier status.
While Lee Dale’s and Chris Gill’s performances with the bat were commendable, Glossop will be reflecting on their inability to convert promising moments into match-winning efforts. For Prestwich, the all-round performances of Tom Gibson and the bowling attack, particularly Bailey and Bradley, proved decisive in securing the victory and taking home the valuable five points.
Trouble Brews in the Heat It was a sunny evening in the wild plains of the cricketing frontier. The Law Men, leather-hatted and squinting into the glare, took the field first. The opposition Outlaws came out all guns blazing, holstering sixes and firing boundaries. The scoreboard galloped like a runaway stallion, and for a moment, it looked like the Outlaws were in for a long night. But just when the storm looked set to roll in, the sheriffs started laying down the law. Lines were tightened, traps were laid, and the bullets stopped flying. Then came the first duel. The opposition opener, once bold and brash, found himself hog-tied by dot balls. In a moment of panic, he made a break for it. He didn't make it far. A direct hit from Chris Sonczak—clean as a gunslinger's draw—sent him packing. Next ball, Davo drew fast and snared another. Two gone, momentum slowed. Enter young Maltby, the fresh-red-faced deputy on debut. He bowled like he'd ridden these parts before—tight, composed, and full of promise. But the enemy wasn’t done. A moustachioed South African miscreant, fierce and flamboyant, stood defiant in the dust, cracking shots with grit and guile (if only his banter behind the stumps was a cracking). Still, wickets fell like tumbleweeds. Phil Rhodes spun his web, subtle and deadly, and Chris Sonczak—sharpshooter supreme—fired off another direct hit. Across the rolling North Road plane, the ball, it seemed, had made a pact with Matt Sonczak—four catches flew to him like iron to a magnet. The Marshalls had done their job. The opposition Outlaws limped to 118 for 9 from 20 overs—a respectable tally, but short of high noon destruction. A Duel Under the Dying Light As the sun dipped low, painting the sky in oranges and fire, the Law Men’s top guns holstered their bats and stepped into the street. Chris Coll and Chris Sonczak: calm, composed, and short. Coll opened with lusty blows, knocking the dust off the scoreboard with every strike. Sonczak, his partner in justice, rotated strike like clockwork. The scoreboard ticked above the required rate, and the tension in the fielding gang grew. All they could manage were a few bitter mutterings behind the stumps—not funny, not clever. Coll, his work done, retired with a nod, handing over the reins. Sonczak stayed, finally finding his range with a few well-timed shots before tipping his hat and retiring too. Then came a stumble. The Chambers boys—Rob and Tom—rode in but didn't last long. Quick exits, no time for duels. But where there’s grit, there’s always a way. Gino, all flair and footwork, and Phil Rhodes, bringing balance and poise, stepped up. They brought a dash of style, keeping the wagon rolling. Just when it looked like they’d take it home, a twist: Gino retired, and Rhodes fell for 19. The saloon doors creaked open again—Will R and Davo entered the fray. Will, wielding a new weapon, looked the part—but it wasn’t his day. First ball, out cold. Silence fell. But Maltby returned, the debutant with the solution to the Mexican stand-off, and joined Davo. Calm, steady, unshaken—they saw it through. No drama. The Outlaws fought the Law; but, the Law won! Swinging Saloon Doors With the job done and the dust settled, the Sheriff’s holstered their bats, tipped their hats, and headed off for drinks and Italian food. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and eyes turned to the man of the hour. Maltby, the new deputy, took home the match award—not for wickets, not for runs, but for an enthusiastic throw, which he muscled to absolutely nowhere. Wild. Unpredictable. Glorious. In these parts, they don’t remember the score. They remember the show.
On behalf of the Glossop Cricket & Bowling Club Executive Committee, I'd like to warmly invite you to an Extraordinary General Meeting taking place at 8pm on Thursday 22nd May 2025. As per the club’s constitution, the Executive Committee has recently recommended a list of Honorary Life Members, and so the purpose of this EGM is for our membership to approve these recommendations. The meeting should take no longer than 5 minutes. We’d love to see as many members as possible join us. Just a quick note: according to our club constitution, junior members under 16 and social members are welcome to attend but aren’t eligible to vote. We do our best to keep our members list up to date, but sometimes people slip through the cracks. If you know anyone who hasn't received this invite, please feel free to pass it along. Kind Regards Paul Edgar Secretary Glossop Cricket & Bowling Club
The weather Gods were shining brightly as Glossop Vets started their 2025 campaign with a tough away trip to Broadbottom. After an unbeaten 2024 season, the pressure was on to see if the team could recreate the highs of the 24 season……and in this first outing they didn’t disappoint. Glossop gave a debut to Tom Rogers, and after some rather hectic and considerably dangerous catching practise, Broadbottom were put into bat. Glossop opened with Jay Allen and Rick Ingham, possibly the oldest opening pair in the history of cricket, but both started well and in the 3rd over Allen came to life and struck with a lovely length delivery that was played on to the stumps….and the Vets were away. Allen struck again in the same over, clean bowled, and had now claimed both openers to finish with match best figures of 2 overs, 2 runs, 2 wickets. First change saw Richard Marsden and Sam Alder take the attack to Broady. Marsden was steady but it was Alder who was causing issues and he got his just reward for good line and length with a fizzing delivery that took out the middle stump. His first wicket for Glossop Vets …the first of many. Glossop kept the pressure on with good fielding which was paramount on the fast outfield but with Broadbottom middle order starting to free their shoulders abit, Glossop needed to make a breakthrough. Up step Tom Rogers and Steve Kirkham. Rogers kept it tight from one end but it was Kirkham who broke the hearts of Broady fans, striking twice, the first an fat edge to point where Calvert took the catch, this time with his hands and not his face, and the second a lovely dipping yorker leaving the Broadbottom batsman cleaned bowled. The final 4 overs brought some success for Broady with some big 6 hitting but 2 further wickets helped to keep the score chaseable. Taylor struck the stumps and Calvert found the edge, which was gobbled up by Andy Wilde behind the stumps, capping a fine performance by Wilde in the field. Broadbottom finished on 120 for 7 . Let the Chase begin... Glossop’s 20+ fans were expectant of a victory but with the sun going down Glossop would need to get a move on. Ingham and Taylor opened. Taylor took the majority of the strike in the first 3 overs, scoring a quick 14 before being cleaned bowled. Wilde came to the crease and started strong with 2 quick boundaries and some good running with Ingham. Ingham was going steadily along anchoring the team. Wilde was eventually out for 16, coming down the wicket to some spin, the ball dipped, Wilde missed it and was stumped by Broadbottoms very impressive under 15s Wk. This brought Marsden to the crease with Glossop needing a destructive innings from their number 4 to stay ahead of the run rate. Marsden started abit nervously but once he got his eye in, he started hitting the boundaries. Marsden and Ingham dovetailed well and both approached 25. Marsden was the first to reach the milestone with a crunching boundary ending on 28 not out. Ingham was soon to follow with a boundary of his own capping his best batting performance with the vets, scoring 27 not out. Allen and Halpin were now at the crease with Glossop needing around 30 runs for victory. Both batted well, moving the ball around and guided Glossop home with 5 overs to spare. Halpin finishing on 15 not out and Allen on 14 not out. Its shows the depth of Glossop’s team that Marsh, Calvert, Alder, Kirkham and Rogers were left in the shed but there is serious competition for places in this batting line up. Glossop ended on 123 -2 and took their first scalp of the season. Man of the Match: Andy Wilde . A fine performance behind the stumps, taking a catch and topped off with a quick fire 16 runs to set Glossop on route to Victory Up The Vets!