Glossop CC 1st XI off to a Winning Start in the GMCL Championship
Glossop Cricket Club’s 1st XI kicked off their 2025 GMCL Championship campaign in style on Saturday with a confident 7-wicket victory away at Moorside. Chasing 126 for victory, Glossop reached their target in just under 30 overs, led by a composed half-century from Matt Sonczak
and a polished unbeaten 34 from captain Chris Gill.
The day heralded the start of a new era for Glossop with four players made their 1st XI league debuts — Owais Shah, Max Hatzoglou, Digby Evans, and Tom Lane
— all talented cricketers in their own right, signalling some exciting times ahead at North Road.
With the sun shining and conditions helpful for seam bowling, Moorside won the toss and elected to bat first. Glossop’s bowling attack, featuring a mix of youth and experience, wasted little time in making inroads. The standout performer was debutant Digby Evans, who bowled with excellent rhythm and control to finish with superb figures of 4 for 24 from 8.2 overs. Evans struck early and returned later in the innings to clean up the tail, showing maturity beyond his years.
James Eyre
chipped in with 2 for 18 in a probing 7-over spell, while William Hargreaves
supported brilliantly with 3 for 28. Fresh from a stint Down Under, Matt Sonczak
also claimed a wicket and helped dry up the runs in the middle overs. Tom Lane, also making his debut, bowled with genuine pace and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket, ending with figures of 0 for 27 from 8 overs — a performance that bodes well for the season ahead.
Moorside were eventually dismissed for 125 in 48.2 overs.
In reply, Glossop lost debutant Owais Shah early for 4, bowled by Saqib. Max Hatzoglou
also was adjudged LBW, although early days both players have a pedigree which means that they’ll settle quickly at this level. When David Wilde
was trapped lbw for 17, Glossop found themselves at 45 for 3, but any nerves were quickly settled by the experienced pair of Gill and Sonczak.
Their unbroken 81-run partnership saw the visitors home without further loss. Gill played the anchor role, guiding the innings with authority, while Sonczak took the attack to the bowlers with a fluent 51* off just 55 deliveries — striking seven boundaries and a six.
It was a commanding win for Glossop, underpinned by an excellent bowling performance and a calm chase under pressure. The debutants brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, and with such a strong team performance to build from, confidence will be high heading into the next round of fixtures.
The 1st XI return to North Road this coming Saturday vs Greenfield where they’ll look to continue their winning start in front of the home crowd.
Glossop Cricket Club's annual golf day returns this year, taking place on Friday, 31st July 2026, at the beautiful Glossop Golf Club. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just enjoy a leisurely round, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day of golf, good company, and support your local cricket club. Gather your team of four and get ready for a day of friendly competition on the greens. Date: Friday, 31st July 2026 Location: Glossop Golf Club Format: Teams of 4 Cost: £200 per team The Schedule for the Day: 10:30 AM: Arrive at Glossop Golf Club for a warm welcome and refreshments to get you ready for the course. 11:00 AM: Shotgun start! Following the round, join us for the all-important presentation of prizes, followed by dinner and the chance to relax and enjoy some drinks with fellow participants. For more information, please contact Dal Allen ( dave.s.allen@hotmail.co.uk )
Winter Walks - January 2026
Christmas season opening times at Glossop Cricket Club