Droylsden Eye Promotion Dream

It's hard to believe given the current weather conditions, but the Greater Manchester Cricket League season begins with the opening round of fixtures on April 23.

For most clubs the opening league fixture will mark the first game since the end of the 2021 season, however Droylsden Cricket Club are slightly different in that respect and decided to brave the elements and host a friendly against Crompton last weekend.

It's hoped that the friendly and forthcoming games will give Alex Cicchirillo's side something of an advantage ahead of their opening day home clash against Uppermill in Division One of the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

Droylsden, a founding member of the GMCl, have considerably strengthened during the off season and have high hopes of delivering success in various age groups.

For Alex, the upcoming campaign marks his inaugural season as the first team captain - a role he's relishing to get stuck into....for the time being.

It's going to be a labour of love for the 29-year-old, who previously attended Audenshaw Sixth Form, having progressed through the club's junior system from he age of 9.

That said, Alex hopes it's a responsibility he will grow to love and has promised to give his all in the pursuit of glory. Speaking to Reporter Sport before the club's friendly against Crompton, Alex said: "I'm excited for the year ahead as I think we've recruited well during the off-season which is positive. The lads are really up for it and we've got a good, strong team here as well, despite the cold weather. I'm loving my role at the moment but that might change as they year progresses, so let's see what happens.

"I think we're in a good spot as a club. I can't speak for other clubs as I don't know where they're up to, but we have heathy numbers that have signed on this year."

Droylsden are set to face off against the likes of Oldham, Austerlands, Thornham, and Hadfield St Andrew's. The division, according to Alex, is competitive and hard to predict given the quality of all the featured sides. However, given the strength of his squad, which includes the return of bowler Jamie Walker, Alex is quietly optimistic about his side's chances. He said:  "I think with the way the division is, it will be tight this year with six or seven teams looking to push for promotion and the league title. We've organised the friendlies so we can see where we're at and to hit the ground running when the season begins. We're hoping to be pushing at the top end of the table. 

"Jamie was here as a junior, but then had a few years away at Denton where he did well, playing 11 or 12 games last year where he took 30 wickets at a good average, so if he can bring that form back here then he will play a big role in our push forward.

"We're founder members of the league, having previously been members of the Saddleworth League. There were always three, four or five sides in that league who were considerably better than us, and you sort of knew that you were going to struggle before the season began. Obviously there were some upsets and we did better than originally expected in a few instances, but I think with the current format it's always competitive, so if you're consistent throughout the season then you have a good chance of getting the job done."

Alex, who coaches the Under 11s, understands the importance of a strong junior section to the long-term success of a club. As a product of the club's conveyor belt himself, Alex is now turning his attention to developing the next generation and believes there's some hidden gems ready to be unearthed. He said: "The standard is really good, and we sometimes have up to 80 kids turn up on a Friday evening for the training session. It's also good for the club in general, because the parents come along and stick a few quid behind the bar as well, so happy days really. 

"That applies to the first and second team as well. We've got a lot of juniors this year who are also pushing to get into the seniors, which include Joe Schofield, who is playing for us today. He's currently being looked at by Lancashire, so hopefully Joe and the rest of the juniors can push on and establish themselves in the first, second and third teams."

If you're interested in joining, senior training is on Thursday night from 6.30pm, which will start on April 21. Junior training takes place on Friday from 6-8pm.