Cheshire Independent Issue 193

OCTOBER 2024 20 LOCAL RUGBY ROUND-UP Independent LOCAL SPORT LOCAL CRICKET ROUND-UP THE final day of the Cheshire County Cricket League Premier Divi- sion ended with unbri- dled joy for Nantwich who were once again crowned champions. However, there was utter desolation for Hyde who led the league from June 1 until the fast-fading light of a last day where the weather had a major say on proceedings. Hyde’s game at Grappen- hall was abandoned whilst Nantwich defeated visitors, third placed Disbury, by six wickets. That saw the Dab- bers take the league title by just one point. Nantwich, who hadn’t headed the table at any time in the season, bowled Didsbury out for 93 in a 44-over match. They then knocked off the runs in under 11 overs to claim a third Premier title in the last six complete sea- sons, and a sixth overall in the Prem era, making them easily the most successful side by that measure. Grappenhall and Toft were both relegated and the final league table saw Alderley Edge in sixth place, ahead of Timperley in eighth and Bowdon in ninth. The rain which all but obliterated the final day in Division One meant that, despite a 63-run loss at the hands of a Bramhall side, for whom Josh Patel made 96, Brooklands made an immediate return to the top flight as champions. Bramhall missed out on promotion, ending the sea- son in third spot, a place above Macclesfield. There were mid-table finishes for Cheadle and Sale. There was also promo- tion joy at Upcast Lane where Lindow sealed a first ever tilt at Premier League cricket after an action-packed 77 run win over Urmston. Cheadle Hulme finished their Division Two cam- paign in fourth place, two places ahead of Congleton, who ended the season above Bollington in mid-table. Hale Barns recorded a final day six-wicket win against Runcorn that ensured them of safety in Division Three with Joe Cooper hitting an unbeaten century. MACCLESFIELD FC and The International Football Group have announced the appointment of Paul Prescott in the role of man- aging director. He arrives at the Leasing. com Stadium boasting a wealth of experience. And in a statement announcing the appointment the club said he would “prove to be invaluable within the next stage of our evolution.” It added: “We have made no secret of our ambition to attainEFLstatusandassuch, Paul’s eclectic knowledge base, drive and innovation is perfectly aligned to our ultimate quest. “A highly-respected fig- ure within the game, Paul has enjoyed a successful career that has seen him thrive in numerous lead- ership positions – most notably, spending over a decade working for the Premier League. “Ascending to the role of head of operations – foot- ball development, Paul not only proved to be a leader within organisational and logistical matters, but also championed youth development within the Premier League.” Formerly a professional Rugby League player with WiganWarriors, the Silkmen believe his commercial acumen will also prove highly advantageous. Prescott told the club’s official website: “First and foremost, I feel incredibly humbled to have been offered this unique and very exciting role. “Macclesfield FC is a club that possesses an incredible amount of potential and I genuinely feel that I can help take it to the next level. “Working closely with all of the club’s shareholders, I look forward to the chal- lenges ahead and playing my part inwhat already rep- resents an inspiring story.” Director Rob Smethurst added: “I have made no secret of the fact that I have looked to acquire the right individual for the managing director role for quite some time.Iamsopleasedthatwe have now found someone who I believe is perfect to work alongside me in order to take our club forward. “Paul possesses all the attributes I was looking for and we are fortunate to have him join us here at the Leasing.comStadium. Gaining more fire power Experienced forward Gabidon is latest Silkmen recruit New arrival: Dontai Gabidon (Photo credit:MFC) MACCLESFIELD FC have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of forward Dontai Gabidon from FC United of Manchester for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old joins from FC United and becomes the latest addition to Robbie Sav- age’s promotion chasing side. He is a player Savage has admired for a while and announcing the signing the Silkmen said that he fits the club’s profile with “his desire and hunger to succeed”. He joins a Macclesfield outfit that has made an impressive start to this season’s Northern Premier League campaign. Macc have begun the sea- son with a 10 games unbeaten run and boast the second-best defence in the competition. Gabidon has made 75 appearances for The Reds scoring on 19 occasions during his time at Broadhurst Park and has great experience in the Northern Premier League. Having excelled during his time at West Didsbury & Chorlton, the pacey for- ward became a focal figure at United since he joined in the 2022/23 season becoming a regular starter. Meanwhile, it has been announced that Tom Scott and Kielen Adams have both departed the football club. Keeper Scott departs New MD has Premier League credentials Dabbers’ final day delight A neighbourly affair (Photo credit: Paul Cooke – PAC Photography) SANDBACH took what will be their shortest away trip of the season as they visited neighbours Crewe & Nantwich. And they eased past their local rivals in the league clash with an emphatic eight- try display. The sides came into the game level on points, both having won two and lost one. The home side put early pressure on when they earned a couple of penalties in Sandbach’s half. However, their first visit into Crewe & Nantwich’s 22 created the opening try of the day. The away side always had the edge, even when going down to 12 players at one Match report by Rhys Fullerton Crewe & Nantwich 14 Sandbach 51 Northern Division – Regional 2 North West ‘Bach ease past rivals with emphatic eight-try display stage after receiving two yel- low cards and having to then play uncontested scrums. George Cole scored Sandbach’s eighth and final try towards the end of the second half, which Mitch- ell converted. having spent just over three months with the Silkmen, cit- ing work commitments as the primary reason for his exit. He has featured just once for Robbie Savage’s side this season, starting and keeping a clean sheet in their FA Cup first qualifying round victory over Tadcaster Albion at the end of August. The former Manchester City academy man found himself behind Max Dearn- ley - who joined the club on the same day as Scott - in the pecking order, and failed to make a league appearance during his time at the Leas- ing.com Stadium. He previously enjoyed time in the National League with FC Halifax Town, and also featured in the Northern Premier League for Nant- wich Town and Bradford Park Avenue before joining the current Northern Premier League leaders. Macclesfield will travel to National League side Tam- worth in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round. They earned their place in the draw after a six-goal victory over Witton Albion. NATIONAL Two Rugby returned to Priory Park as Macclesfield welcomed Midland side Bournville to Cheshire. And the Blues put the dis- appointment of their opening day defeat at Camborne to record a 31-28 victory. However, the Bournville win was followed by another long trek for Macc, who headed to the West Coun- try for a clash with Exeter University that ended with a 43-24 defeat. Speaking after that game head coach Rhys Davies told the club’s official website: “Some outstanding individ- ual performances in both the forwards and the backs; most notably from the skipper who led from the front. “We need to con- tinue working hard on the cohesion of our attacking game and reducing our error count; this will allow us to apply more sus- tained pressure on the opposition. “Another point gained on the road but some frustration in that we have the ability to have come away with more”. Nine players made their Mac- clesfield debuts on the opening day at Camborne, includ- ing ex-Rotherham Titans and Sale FC player Dan Leake and Sales Sharks Academy’s Bill Birkett. Mixed start for Macc