STALYBRIDGE Cricket Club has ended up on the wrong side of the line in a frustrating month of close finishes.
And it has left bottom club Stalybridge, with only one win from their 16 league matches, facing relegation to division two of the Derbyshire and Cheshire League.
Stalybridge, 18 points adrift in last place, were promoted to the top division in 2019 but the 2020 season was disrupted by Covid-19 making this their first full and proper season among the elite clubs.
In the last month they have suffered narrow losses to Hayfield and Broadbottom and two further defeats in the same weekend against Tintwistle and New Mills.
That all but sealed relegation, but morale remains high around the club which is planning for the future.
James Brady came to the batting party with 62 against Hayfield and Adam Harwick picked up five wickets at New Mills.
Stalybridge seconds haven’t had as many games to play and their 2021 season is already completed as they have managed to secure a mid-table finish which means that once the current enlarged league is split, they will be in the top division of the second team league
The club is also looking forward to an August Bank Holiday Cricket Festival with Friday being pie night for the juniors, Saturday seeing the inaugural third team game which will see them pit their skills against the seconds.
Then on Sunday is the main event. A junior team breakfast, including a match, will be followed at noon by the Under 9s sports day and adult cricket games including a bowling speed competition.
The real party will the start at 3pm with The Hundred, President’s XI vs Chairman’s XI, including a live DJ, gin/prosecco tent and woodfired pizza. This is open to all the community, so just turn up on the Sunday for a drink, food, music and cricket.