Under 13s celebrate the double

LAST week, the Macclesfield U13 squad made club history by winning the Cheshire County U13 Championship as well as the South Manchester

U13 League.

Both campaigns started in early May, with regional leagues to determine the final group qualifiers.

Both Macc teams topped their respective leagues and qualified into leagues of County and Area winners.

The Macclesfield teams faced tough opposition against Alvanley, Bowdon, Brooklands, Cheadle, Chorlton, Didsbury, Mellor, Middlewich, Sandbach and Oxton, all of whom played excellent cricket, in the spirit of the game.

On Wednesday last week, the Cheshire

County team beat Brooklands away to secure their title, and on Friday the South Manchester team enjoyed a home win against Didsbury to secure their title. Over the last few months, the children were regularly afflicted by Covid-19.

An uncountable number of self-isolations were imposed on them, which restricted their match availability and lowered their spirits. Luckily, team mates from the squad were able to step in as reserves and play their part, which makes these two victories very much an U13 squad celebration, rather than individual team success.

The bulk of the U13 squad have been playing cricket since the age of 6 and have worked their way through the Academy year groups.

Some are now playing senior cricket this year, the experience of which is priceless for their development and confidence.

The young players have undoubtedly learned from past set backs and disappointments, having lost a number of U9 and U11 semi-finals and finals to local rivals.

The club coaches have worked continuously to develop the players’ skills, as well as resilience, confidence and belief, which have been major factors in the childrens’ performances this year.

Thanks and credit goes to senior players at the club who have supported the youngsters; James Cross, Jon Birchall, Jack Mattsson, Miles Bradshaw and Stewart Garnett.

All the players deserve great praise and credit, but article space sadly won’t allow. However, special credit must go to Libby Ackerley, who bowled the Cheshire County team to victory on countless occasions, taking a record 29 wickets.