Cheshire Independent Issue 201

MAY/JUNE 2025 20 LOCAL RUGBY ROUND-UP Independent LOCAL SPORT LOCAL CRICKET ROUND-UP SANDBACH’S cup dreams were dashed by a try scored in the dying throes of a pulsating quar- ter final tie. The Papa John’s Community Cup – Regional 2 North Plate - clash against Ilkeston went right down to the wire. A winner in extra time secured the 41-39 victory for the home side. Sandbach travelled to The Stute in Derbyshire for the clash against the Regional 2 Midlands North side with a strong squad. The coaches and players’ player of the season Callum Oakden and player/head coach Tom Holmes were named in the second row, a fitting example of youth and experience play- ing alongside each other. Harry Leese returned at full-back with Jake Jackson called up to the 1st XV to start at scrum-half. The late withdrawal of captain Jimmy Gore due to injury caused a mini reshuffle with Josh Brookes brought in on the wing. It was a positive start for Sand- bach when top try scorer Elliot Mor- ris scored out wide. Morris scored 35 league tries this season and he was determined to add to that record tally. Matt Randle, Sandbach’s young player of the season, kicked the con- version to give the Bach an early lead. The game finished all square after 80 minutes leading to extra time. Nei- ther team sat back and Ilkeston went ahead with a converted try. Randle gave Sandbach three points when he slotted over a penalty kick and minutes later, he was scoring again, this time with a try out wide. Once again, the winger cooly kicked the extras and Sandbach were ahead 36-39. However, it was not meant to be and the last play of the game resulted in a try in the corner for Ilkeston to ALDERLEY Edge’s Sam Perry, came within one big hit of setting a new record for the highest ever score in Cheshire’s Premier Division. He reached 197 off 152 bowls in the final over of his side’s innings at Bowdon with a magnificent display of stroke-play that included 19 fours and six sixes. But with former Bowdon player Jon Bean’s proud record of being the Premier’s only double centurion looking set to be broken Perry was caught down the leg side off the bowl- ing of James Bottomley (4-76). However, his impressive knock saw Edge post a daunt- ing 364 and go on to complete a massive 171-run victory. Lindow announced their arrival in the Premier Divi- sion with a 197-run victory against Hyde. The top five in their battling line up all scored at least 35 as Lindow made the most of being put into bat by reaching 292-6 and then blew Hyde away for just 95 runs. Timperley’s Tim Reynolds top scored with 68 in his side’s 59-run win over Nant- wich, who failed in their chase of 214. In Division One Bram- hall’s Ryan Macciocchi had a day to remember as his side’s first-ever trip to Mari- time ended with a resounding nine wicket win. The left arm spinner ran through the hosts, recording figures of 9.4-3-19-8 as Maritime were bowled out for 82, Greg Dixon’s unbeaten 54 sealing the win. Marple skipper Jack Grundy hit 55 not out and then took 6-21 including a hat-trick as he led his side to a 160-run win over a dazed Davenham. Macclesfield made it two from two with a 6 wicket win over Grappenhall, while Chea- dle and Stockport Georgians both bounced back from open- ing day losses. Ashley Burton took 3-27 and then hit an unbeaten 101 res- cuing Cheadle from 28-3 chas- ing 198 at Toft as they recorded a seven-wicket victory. Georgians had Ben Stan- iforth’s 69-not out to thank as they secured a nervy two wicket win chasing 180 to beat Urmston. In Division Two Bollington recorded a five-wicket victory over Haslington. The visitors made 126 and Bollington’s winning reply included 51 from Ben Gibson. Ben Balderson took 6-34 for Cheadle Hulme, before picking up the bat to great effect, finishing 90 not out as his side beat NE Cheshire by six wickets. NORTH West business- man and investor Dar- ren Wright has officially acquired a stake in Mac- clesfield FC. He said: “I’m thrilled to step into the world of football club ownership - a dream turning into reality. “This is more than an invest- ment; it’s a passion project to build legacy, support talent, and connect with the fans of this great football club, where pride and community spirit run deep. It’s a privilege to be a part of something truly spe- cial, and I’m looking forward to celebrating unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.” The club says the invest- ment will support its long- term development goals, from infrastructure upgrades and youth academy expansion to enhanced community pro- grammes and “competitive” first team squad building. Savage sets his sights high Silkmen boss aims for more success MACCLESFIELD boss Robbie Savage has set his side ambitious targets for next season as the Silk- men prepare for life in the National League North. Sharing themwith the Foot- ball365 website he said: “I’m happy to state them: a top- seven finish and a promotion play-off place; reach at least the FA Cup first round; and a Wembley trip for the FA Tro- phy final.” Savage is looking to achieve those aims with most of the squad that lifted the North- ern Premier League title. Ten first team players have signed new contracts. And he said: “I cannot wait to take these lads into next season in the National League North. We’ve concluded the hardest, most important work of the summer already by get- ting these boys tied down. “We’ll look to make one or two additions, but I truly believe that this team will thrive again when they step up to the next level.” He added: “On any given Satur- day, I’d back these boys against any side in any of the divisions above us up to and including League Two. “And others seem to be com- ing around to that view. I’ve been having conversations with Premier League clubs about loan talent, which is a good indication of how differ- ently people are starting to view us. “Players who, before, felt we were below them and wouldn’t entertain a phone call are now calling us. “But I want to give the National League stage to the boys who had faith in Macc – and myself – in the way we believed in them when we started this journey together.” Savage and his team cele- brated their achievements at the end of the season with a trip to the Algarve. A 4-0 win overWhitby Town in front of 4,725 people saw the MACCLESFIELDhassubmitteditsannualreportandfinan- cial statements for the year ending June 2024 describing it as a year of“positive growth”on andoff the pitch. The club says it has made significant improvements across key financial areas, including a strong increase in turnover. The Silkmen’s total income increased to £2.4million from£2.1m in 2023. Club owner Robert Smethurst said: “Revenues have increased year-on-year, driven by a combination of record matchday attendance, improved commercial partnerships. We have also benefited from prudent cost management and a strategic focus on sustaina- ble growth. “Our balance sheet remains robust, with improved liquidity and reduced debt levels, reflecting our commit- ment to financial stability. “We have reinvested a significant portion of our income into key areas such as player development, facil- ities, and community outreach - ensuring we build not only for today but for the future of the club.” He added:“Our investment in the first team and acad- emy structure continues to bear fruit. “The squad has demonstrated resilience and ambition throughout the season and becoming league champi- ons, and our player development pipeline is stronger than ever. This financial year saw strategic signings balanced with homegrown talent, aligning with our phi- losophy of long-termcompetitiveness and sustainability. “Whilewe remainmindful of thewider economic land- scape, our outlook is optimistic.Wewill continue to build on our strong foundations, exploring innovative oppor- tunities to growwhile staying true to our values. “With our combined passion and outlooks, we are well-positionedtoreachnewheights for thenewseason.” Sam nearly smashes it Cup dream is at an end Progress – on and off the pitch Taking a stake in the future Silkmen finish the NPL sea- son as champions with 109 points and 109 goals. A delighted Savage said: “My team has surpassed almost every benchmark at this level. Some of the records we have set this sea- son, in my opinion, will never be bettered. “I could not be happier with how my first season in man- agement has gone. Getting Macclesfield’s name back on the NPL trophy after it was the first one engraved upon it in 1968 is the proudest moment – so far – of my career in football.” He added: “As is almost always the case in football, our success this season is down to the players. I’ve tried to give them all the tools they need, but they still need to do the job. And what a job they have done.” (Photos: Andy Mitchell) Match report: Rhys Fullerton seal a dramatic victory and send Sandbach out of the cup. In a fitting end to the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations Macclesfield beat visitors Camborne 40-27 in their last game of the season. Before the action on the pitch 149 guests sat down for the past players’ lunch, joined by a full squad of past players from the Cornish club. Speaking after the win, Maccles- field head coach Rhys Davies was delighted with the performance. He said: “We defended well, and then took our chances when we cre- ated opportunities. “The boys have really come on in the second half of the season, which is demonstrated by this convincing win against the second-placed team in the league. “It had been a great game of rugby to finish the season. We now hope and pray that the RFU will look kindly on us, and return Macclesfield RFU back to Northern Rugby.”