Smith looking to secure more cup glory for 2nds

Division Three CHEADLE 2nd XI

A DECENT season for Cheadle in 2021, which saw them finish in fifth place in the table.

Craig Smith, formerly skipper of the first team, drops down to lead the seconds this summer.

It looks like he will be marshalling a similar sort of squad, although Tom Edwards will add strength if he is not required to play in the firsts.

There will also be up-andcoming youngsters knocking on the door from the thirds. Captain: Craig Smith. Prospects: Cheadle have undoubtedly grown as a club in recent seasons - and the firsts have led the way with their cup success.

The seconds will want a piece of the silverware action, with a promotion helping to close the gap between their two senior sides.

Expect them to be firmly in the frame for promotion under Smith’s captaincy.

CHECKLEY 2nd XI

JUST missed out on making the step up last summer as they finished three points behind second-placed Stone SP.

There will have been disappointment at missing out by such a small margin, but the building blocks are in place for Checkley to have another tilt this time around.

Dan Amos leads the troops and he will be aiming to set an example with his own performances.

Some good younger players will also be out to make their mark to ultimately step up into the Premier Division side. Captain: Dan Amos. Prospects: Finishing third last summer will probably lead to Checkley being billed as favourites to be one of the promoted sides in 2022.

And you would imagine that they may well be disappointed if they are not in and around the top-two spots when September comes.

RODE PARK & LAWTON

THEY dropped down from Division Two at the end of last season.

All-rounder Richard Bebbington takes on the captaincy and will have experience to call on in the form of Andrew Marshall and Jon Gallimore.

Kamau Leverock, a Bermudan all-rounder, is also joining the club this summer to help them in their quest.

Captain: Richard Bebbington, pictured below.

Prospects: Might have their moments this summer, but it’s a big ask for them to bounce back at the first attempt.

They might have to find their feet for a season before refocusing on the club’s longterm goals.

Division Four LEEK 2ND XI

UPWARDLY mobile after winning promotion from Division Five in 2021.

Matt Nicholls skippers the Moorlanders’ second team as they look to make an impact at a higher level this summer.

There hasn’t been too much activity on the signings front, but that shouldn’t cause too many issues as Leek have shown their quality by winning a place in Division Four.

Captain: Matt Nicholls. Prospects: Momentum will be a big thing for Leek this time around. Their seconds have been improving year on year and should be capable of pushing for a comfortable mid-table spot at this level.