Astley bridge cricket club

2025 Season

Take a look back at ABCC's 2025 cricket year, focusing on the highs and lows that go along with Village Cricket!

Senior Cricket

SEASON OVERVIEW

The First Team had a memorable 2025 season, securing the NWCL Championship title on the final day in a campaign that went right down to the wire. Consistency, resilience, and a knack for handling pressure moments proved key as the side finished the job when it mattered most.

Promotion marked a significant achievement for the group and capped off a season full of competitive cricket across the whole division.

We now prepare for the challenge back in the top flight.

The Second Team's 2025 campaign was in the second division, NWCL Conference 2, after relegation the previous year. Finishing fourth and 33 points short of promotion, the side remained competitive throughout the season and challenged near the top of the table for most of the season.

Despite the positives, missing out on promotion was a disappointment for a group that was capable of achieving more. The campaign nevertheless highlighted the strength of the squad and the high standards set across the season.

The Third Team enjoyed a successful 2025 season in their first year competing in the West Lancashire Cricket League, following the move from the GMCL. Adapting well to new opposition, grounds and differing qualities, the side finished third place, just four points short of promotion, in a campaign where promotion had not been the initial expectation.

With a number of new players and several junior cricketers stepping up into senior cricket, the squad remained competitive throughout the season while staying true to its development-focused ethos. Supported by experienced senior players, the Third Team balanced progression with performance, making 2025 a positive season on and off the field.

Club Captains

• 1XI - Sydney De Silva

• 2XI - Ady Cooper

• 3XI - Zahid Makkan

Greater Manchester Falcons

2025 saw Astley Bridge Cricket Club proudly host the Greater Manchester Falcons, who used the club’s pitch and clubhouse as their home for the year. In their first full season as a team, the Falcons enjoyed a highly successful campaign, winning the league and the majority of competitions they entered, with only a single cup final narrowly missed.

Their achievements throughout the season were a welcome addition to life at the club and highlighted the inclusive spirit of cricket at Astley Bridge, with the Falcons becoming a valued part of the club both on and off the field.

Senior Cricket

Season Recap & Exciting Changes for the Year Ahead!

Last season may have brought its challenges, but it also paved the way for fresh opportunities. Our First Team faced tough competition in the NWCL Premiership, finishing in 11th place and subsequently moving to the NWCL Championship. While results in the league didn’t go our way, we showed real consistency in cup competitions, making an impressive run to the Hamer Cup semi-finals. Though we fell short against Little Lever CC, who themselves were beaten in the final by Championship side Read CC.

A new division brings new opportunities, including fresh opposition and new grounds for both players and spectators to experience. And we’re already making moves to build for the season ahead! We are absolutely thrilled to announce the return of Syd De Silva as our new First Team Captain. Syd is no stranger to the club, and we can’t wait to see his leadership and experience take the team forward.

Our Second Team also had a challenging season, experiencing an unexpected relegation after finishing 3rd the previous year. However, just like the First Team, we found success in the cup, reaching the Quarter Finals before bowing out to Cherry Tree CC.

Among the season’s standout moments was Ismael Patel’s incredible maiden century for the First Team, accompanied by a stellar bowling performance of 4-45—a true all-round display!

Off the field, the arrival of professional Alex Kok had a tremendous impact on our junior players, always showing up on Friday nights (often wrapped up in a coat and hat!). Meanwhile, Ulli Bronkhorst returned as our Amateur Overseas for a second consecutive season, once again proving to be a huge asset, particularly as he hit peak form towards the latter part of the season.

As we gear up for the new season, we’re excited to get back to training. Senior training will be held every Wednesday evening from 18:00 onwards when the season starts.

Are you ready? We certainly are!🏏

Senior Cricket Memberships

Please contact us for more information on Senior Cricket Memberships