Cheshire County Cricket Club

Cornwall clinch promotion as Cheshire fall short at Redruth

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:47:00 +0000

NCCA Cluberly Western Division Championship - Division 2

Sun - Tues 16-18 August 2026

Cornwall 347 (87.

David Wainwright (capt, Castlefield), Henry Murray (Alderley Edge), Alex Money (Chester Boughton Hall), Dan Newton (Lindow), Henry Dobson (Oxton), Luke McCoy (Widnes), Liam Clorley (wk, Toft), Andy Jackson (Hyde), Andy Dufty (Oulton Park), Dan Wilson (Northern), Jack Collett (Sandbach).
Scorer: Inge Bevers Coach: Harry Dearden

Many thanks to Cornwall’s Godfrey Furze and the Redruth ‘squad’ for their superb hospitality throughout the three days – including the team breakfasts!

Pete Babbage – Simply One of Cheshire’s Finest

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:52:00 +0000

Pete Babbage's affection for Cheshire CCC was infectious.
The outpouring of sadness and affection since Pete’s passing last month has touched every part of our Club.
And, inevitably, the stories have flowed.
Those familiar matchday mannerisms live on in all our memories.
Or the not-quite-so-discreet illicit puff of a pipe after dinner at some far-flung hotel on the NCCA circuit.
The giggles as he – again, not especially discreetly – turned down the offer of a late-night cuppa in favour of a wee Drambuie.
“Just a small one then…”

Then there were the joyous exclamations as a Cheshire batsman crashed one into the boundary fence.
“Bloody good shot!
And, at the other end of the emotional scale, the loud snort as another Cheshire batsman lost all three stumps attempting an inglorious swipe.
“For ****’s sake.
We all have our own Pete stories at Cheshire.
For me, the sight of Peter attempting to extricate himself from a deckchair at Sidmouth while we were playing Devon takes some beating.
“I got in ithe damn thing and I’ll get out of it!
It vies for top spot with Pete disappearing into a bush late one evening to relieve himself, only to discover afterwards that a pair of new – and, he insisted, “perfectly decent” – shoes bore the tell-tale signs of an unfortunate scatter-gun approach.
Then there was the comical moment when Peter tried to lower the Cheshire flag from the pole at Wormsley, only succeeding in giving the groundsman an extra day's work to untangle the carnage left behind.
And if Peter ever mentioned the size of the hotel bedroom that he and his lovely Di could barely squeeze into on one Oxfordshire trip… well, perhaps we’ll leave that particular story there.
Pete and Bails

As a Cheshire double act, Pete and ‘Bails’ – David Bailey – were formidable.
Fun, honest, thoughtful and fiercely committed.
Conflicting views occasionally kept discussions lively, but the mutual admiration always shone through.
Pete was a mainstay of the Cheshire CCC Committee for many years.
On a personal level, I certainly wouldn’t have become so involved or remained so enthused about all things Cheshire without Pete’s support and his constant drive and his absolute belief in getting our county on the map.
Originally helping out 'when he could', Pete eventually brought to the County the skills, experience and enthusiasm that had served his beloved Bramhall CC so well for so many years.
He'd been Chairman at Bramhall – as well as seemingly just about everything else – following an illustrious playing career with the club.
Then, as Cheshire’s Head of Cricket, he discovered that the demands of getting our best XI onto the field could be more than a little taxing.
But somehow, Pete got there.
And we invariably did.
The perennial club-versus-county dilemma frustrated him enormously.
“Me?
When he stepped down as Head of Cricket and was due to succeed David as President of Cheshire CCC, he couldn’t have been prouder.
Yet his wonderfully unassuming nature meant he continued to question whether he really deserved the honour.
“Me?
Lots, Peter.
For me – once I’ve managed to rid my mind of that deckchair image – perhaps the greatest compliment we can pay Pete is reflected in the warmth and affection shown by those who played for him.
They knew he was never afraid of the difficult conversations.
But they knew exactly where they stood.
And they knew that, underneath the whiskers, the grunts and the occasional expletive, everything Pete did came from wanting the very best for Cheshire CCC and the people within it.
I was so lucky to have one final giggle with Pete shortly before he closed his innings.
And so much for Cheshire CCC to be grateful for.
We’re already missing the sight of those famous whiskers making their way from the car park towards the pavilion, Pete invariably carrying various pieces of kit and equipment.
But we’ll raise a glass to him.
We’ll enjoy a cricket tea or two.
We’ll watch a Cheshire batsman crash one to the boundary and perhaps hear, somewhere in the back of our minds:

“Bloody good shot!
And we’ll smile.
I think Pete would like that.
Thank you, Peter – for everything.
And may you settle yourself into a decent deckchair up there.
Just make sure you can get out of it.
Jim Law
Chair, Cheshire CCC

Next stop - Cornwall! Redruth CC 16-18 Aug

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:27:00 +0000

NCCA Cluberly Championship - Western Division 2

Cornwall v Cheshire, Redruth CC, Sun - Tues 16-18 August 2026

12 noon start Sunday, 11am Monday / Tuesday

NCCA T20 'Super 12s' (Cheshire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire), Wolverhampton CC, Sunday 9 August 2026

Lincolnshire 150-7 (20), Cheshire 147-9 (20).

Clorley & Dobson shine in Shropshire see-saw draw

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:35:00 +0000

NCCA Cluberly Championship Western Division 2

Cheshire 222 (81.
Cheshire 9 points, Shropshire 10 points
After a four-week odyssey that took them from Keswick to Newcastle, Ipswich and Wimborne, Cheshire were finally back on home soil – and three absorbing days under the blazing Nantwich sun produced another hard-fought draw.
On a scorched pitch, Cheshire dug deep to earn a second successive Championship stalemate.
There were plenty of positives despite the deadlock.
Missing last week's centurion Sam Perry, Cheshire twice found themselves in serious trouble, yet twice showed the resilience that has become a hallmark of this young side.
Winning the toss and batting first looked the obvious decision, but Walker ripped through the top order as Cheshire crashed to 76-7.
On what many described as another Alex Kegg 'shirt-front', Shropshire made a confident start, closing the opening day on 90-2.
Finlay Jones' fluent 66 helped the visitors move into a commanding position before Cheshire hit back superbly.
That advantage quickly looked far more significant when George McCormick struck three early blows in Cheshire's second innings.
What followed transformed the match.
Clorley joined Dobson and the pair produced an exhibition of patience, judgement and controlled strokeplay.
Just as they had against Dorset a week earlier, Cheshire now had the opportunity to build a winning position and tempt Shropshire into a fourth-innings chase.
The dream of two deserved centuries, however, cruelly slipped away.
McCoy recovered from illness to return with an excellent unbeaten 74, Kevin Carroll added an enterprising 37, and Cheshire declared on 360-7, setting Shropshire a challenging 311 from a minimum of 57 overs.
A brief rain interruption trimmed the available time, but there was still enough left for a fascinating finish.
Jones departed early before Tom Fell's dismissal reduced the visitors to 71-3, giving Cheshire genuine belief that an unlikely victory was possible.
But Will Tarrant (37*) and Seb Scott (41*) calmly shut the door, frustrating Cheshire's attack until the captains agreed to shake hands shortly after 5.
Shropshire shaded the points 10-9 from an entertaining contest that threatened to produce a result for much of the final afternoon but ultimately ended honours even.
The draw leaves Cheshire fourth in the table behind Cornwall, Dorset and Shropshire, although they hold a game in hand over the latter two.
Finally, Cheshire extend sincere thanks to Andy Newton, Wayne Morgan and everyone at Nantwich CC for their outstanding hospitality across three excellent days of Championship cricket.
Cheshire CCC

David Wainwright (capt, Castlefield), Henry Murray (Alderley Edge), Kesh Fonseka (Lindow), Henry Dobson (Oxton), Luke McCoy (Widnes), Liam Clorley (wk, Toft), Andrew Dufty (Oulton Park), Kevin Carroll (Brooklands), Dan Wilson (Northern), Jack Collett (Sandbach), Archie Barraclough (Bradford & Bingley).
Footnotes

Henry Dobson and Liam Clorley's 179-run fourth-wicket partnership is a new Cheshire Championship record against Shropshire.
Clorley's 99 in only his second Championship appearance follows scores of 105 for the 2nd XI and 118 for the Under-18s earlier this season (after a first-innings duck).
Dobson's 91 is his highest score for Cheshire in 2026, his career-best Championship innings remaining the 121 he made against Berkshire in 2023.

Home at last! Shropshire at Nantwich next weekend

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:51:00 +0000

After seemingly travelling to all parts of the UK in three different competions over the last few weeks, Cheshire finally have a home game!
After our draw in Dorset, we play Shropshire at home for the third time this season - this time in the NCCA Cluberly Championship.
Our Western Division 2 game is at Nantwich CC (Championship debuts for Kesh Fonseka (Lindow), Liam Clorely (Toft), Jack Collett (Sandbach), Archie Barraclough (Bradford & Bingley)

A hard-earned draw and 12 valuable Championship points marked an encouraging start to Cheshire's NCCA Championship campaign as David Wainwright's youthful side stood toe-to-toe with current Western Division Two leaders Dorset at a sun-drenched Wimborne.
Across three glorious days of cricket on a parched but picturesque ground, the two teams amassed 1,164 runs, but despite Cheshire pressing for victory late on, honours were ultimately shared.
For Cheshire, however, there was plenty to celebrate.
With four players making their Championship debuts, this was always going to be a stern examination of patience, concentration and endurance in the longer format.
After winning the toss, Cheshire produced one of their most accomplished Championship batting displays in recent seasons, compiling an excellent 407-9 from their allotted 90 overs on the opening day.
At the heart of it all was Sam Perry, whose magnificent 162 was a masterclass in Championship batting.
Cheshire had reached 114-1 shortly before lunch before momentum briefly swung Dorset's way.
Instead, Perry calmly rebuilt.
Supported by Andrew Dufty (29) and Dan Wilson (31), he gradually wrestled back control before debutant Liam Clorely contributed a useful 19 and later impressed behind the stumps throughout the match.
Fielding for long spells in searing temperatures was every bit as demanding as batting, but Cheshire's attack responded magnificently.
Despite an outstanding 172 from Finn Gordon, which largely cancelled out Perry's heroics, Cheshire remained disciplined throughout Dorset's first innings.
That advantage proved crucial.
Henry Murray set the tone positively in the second innings with a fluent 42, before Perry (41) and McCoy (46) frustrated Dorset's attack with an important partnership at 83-3.
Captain Wainwright then produced another impressive contribution with 67, while Clorely continued an excellent Championship debut by adding 35 as Cheshire accelerated after lunch before declaring, setting Dorset an ambitious 286 to win from a maximum of 50 overs.
The visitors struck immediately.
Finn Gordon, Dorset's first-innings centurion, was dismissed by the very first ball of the chase and, with wickets falling regularly, Cheshire sensed victory as Dorset slipped to 87-6 entering the final hour.
But Abbas showed tremendous resilience with 17 from 71 deliveries, while Ed Bartlett produced one of the grittiest innings of the match, facing 49 balls for an unbeaten duck.
While victory narrowly eluded Cheshire, this represented an outstanding effort from a young side learning the demands of Championship cricket.
The Championship season continues this weekend when Cheshire finally return home to Nantwich CC, where they host Shropshire from 2-4 August.
Cheshire CCC: David Wainwright (capt, Castlefield), Sam Perry (Alderley Edge), Henry Murray (Alderley Edge), Kesh Fonseka (Lindow), Henry Dobson (Oxton), Luke McCoy (Widnes), Liam Clorely (wk, Toft), Andrew Dufty (Oulton Park), Dan Wilson (Northern), Jack Collett (Sandbach), Archie Barraclough (Bradford & Bingley).

Peter Babbage Funeral details (19 August)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:32:00 +0000

A Celebration of the life of Peter Anthony Grange Babbage

2.

Bramhall Methodist Church

23 Bramhall Lane South

Bramhall SK7 1AL

The wake will be held at Bramhall Cricket Club, Church Lane, SK7 1PQ at 3.

As Peter is most fondly remembered in his cricket whites, please wear an item of white.

Rather than flowers, if you wish to contribute towards the traditional cricket tea, we will welcome cakes or scones or something similar.

Any leftover food will be donated to The Wellspring in Stockport.

2s shine at Bowdon with O'Brien '5 fer'

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:09:00 +0000

Cheshire 2nd XI 281-8 (50 overs), Shropshire 2nd XI 166 (36.
Cheshire Team

1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Scorer: Inge Bevers

Coach: Gavin Colebourn

Team Manager: Nick Brooks

3 day Championship underway in Dorset this Sunday

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:53:58 +0000

After all the razzamatazz of the white ball game, it's finally red ball time as Cheshire get their 2026 Cluberly Western Division 2 season underway at Wimborne CC against Dorset this weekend.
We'll play four matches in Division 2, the table topper winning promotion to Division 1.
Cheshire are again captained by the popular David Wainwright and the match at pictureresque Wimborne gets underway at 11am each morning with the first innings limited to 90 overs.
The following week Cheshire are back in home action hosting Shropshire at Nantwich (2-4 August) before an away trip to Cornwall at Redruth (16-18 August) and a final game against Wales NC at Alderley Edge (23-25 August).
NCCA KO Trophy Final, Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC: Berkshire 210 (46.
ScorecardCheshire’s brave pursuit of the NCCA KO Trophy ended in final heartbreak as Berkshire produced a commanding all-round performance to secure a 112-run victory at Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC.
Before play began, players, officials and spectators observed a minute’s silence following the sad passing of Cheshire CCC President Pete Babbage earlier in the week.
Having battled gallantly through the competition, Cheshire arrived with hopes of lifting the trophy—but, two years after losing the 2024 final to Norfolk, they were once again forced to settle for runners-up medals.
There was plenty of early encouragement after captain Sam Perry’s side were asked to bowl.
Berkshire’s middle order, however, launched a vital recovery.
Dobson was the pick of the Cheshire attack with 3-41, and at the halfway stage the target appeared well within reach.
But Cheshire’s reply never found the momentum it needed.
The crucial moment came with the score on 52-1 when Perry, who had made 23, was run out.
Henry Murray offered resistance with a determined 31, but Jackson, with 11, was the only other Cheshire batter to reach double figures as the innings subsided to 98 in 34.
Sulaiman Akhtar claimed 3-10, while Walker completed a fine individual performance by taking 4-11 to add to his earlier contribution with the bat and earn the player-of-the-match award.
Congratulations go to Andy Rishton and his Berkshire side.
Cheshire: Sam Perry (captain, Alderley Edge), Dan Newton (Lindow), Henry Murray (Toft), George Lavelle (Ormskirk), Freddie Vaughan-Hawkins (wicketkeeper, Timperley), Henry Dobson (Oxton), Kevin Carroll (Brooklands), Will Valentine (Alderley Edge), Andy Jackson (Hyde), Will Street (Didsbury), Isaac Brooks (Lindow).
12th man: Zak Rogers (Neston)
Scorer: Inge Bevers
Coach: Gavin Colebourn
Team Manager: Nick Brooks

Cheshire Team - KO Trophy Final, 11am Sunday 19 July

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:43:00 +0000

THe Cheshire side to face Berkshire at Copdock & Old Ipswichians CC on Sunday is as follows:

Sam Perry (Alderley Edge - captain)
Dan Newton (Lindow)
Henry Murray (Toft)
George Lavelle (Ormskirk)
Fred Vaughan-Hawkins (Timperley - wk)
Henry Dobson (Oxton)
Kevin Carroll (Brooklands)
Will Valentine (Alderley Edge)
Andrew Jackson (Hyde)
Will Street (Didsbury)
Isaac Brooks (Lindow)
12th man - Zak Rogers (Neston)

Scorer: Inge Bevers

Coach: Gavin Colebourn

Team manager: Nick Brooks

Peter Babbage

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:45:00 +0000

We're so sorry to have received the following from the family of our President, Peter Babbage and we send our deepest condolences.
"We are sorry to inform you of the sad passing of former 1st Team Manager and current President Peter Babbage, who died peacefully in his sleep on 14 July 2026 following a second battle with cancer.
"Details of his funeral arrangements will be made available in due course".

Cheshire at the double 'usher' in T20 Super 12s

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:26:00 +0000

Game 1: Northumberland 133-7 (20 overs) Cheshire 134-9 (19.