Hadfield's homegrown heroes

Hadfield brought home their first ever piece of Greater Manchester Cricket League (GMCL) silverware last Saturday – the GMCL Division 1 title – and, with it, an affirmation of all that the club have stood for over the last 25 years: their approach to junior cricket.

Ten of the starting XI for Saturday’s title-deciding match away at Austerlands played for the club as juniors.

The odd one out was the club’s first and only ever overseas professional.

Across the whole season, 75% of individuals used by Hadfield’s 1st XI began their cricketing odyssey at Newshaw Lane, accounting for over 80% of the team’s appearances in 2026.

A statistic as rare as it is impressive, and something no other GMCL club comes close to matching.

Mottram and Glossop, by comparison, had half across their combined 1st XIs.

The club hope that their year in the Championship next year will bear sweeter fruit than in previous years.

Twice they have tackled the Championship and twice their form has sagged, ending in demotion back to Division 1. Here’s hoping 2027 will be different.

Hadfield Chairman, Richard Ball, commented:

“It’s a source of immense pride to see lads, men, that I once coached still playing – and winning – 20 years later.

Club captain Cameron Ball (middle) poses with current squad members Liam Doyle (left) and Sam Whiteman (right) back in 2009. Photo by Robert Whalebelly.

My own commitment to the Junior section of the club obviously accelerated as my own lads [Alex and Cameron] were getting to that age, but my experiences then – supported by the tireless efforts of so many others – only strengthened my desire to ensure that a commitment to young players was not a short-term thing.

I have been involved with the club for over 50 years, and the growth and re-growth of our junior setup is what makes me proudest.

I hope that in another 10 years that the next juniors of today will still be bringing home silverware and, more importantly, enjoying their cricket and keeping lifelong friendships.”

Club President, Christopher Tranter, added:

“My own investment on and off the field makes it even more worthwhile when I see lads who have played together for 20, 25 years, still enjoying the sport that I have enjoyed for over 60.

But the club isn’t just about Saturdays.

It’s about all the juniors down on a Friday night, the social XI on a midweek evening, and the countless community and private functions that ensure the club is not just for cricket but for the community.

I must also thank our sponsors, notably C&C Insurance who got on board this year, and APH Financial who are our longest-serving sponsor.

Without their, and others’ invaluable financial contributions off the field, we wouldn’t be able to invest in our youth setup and invest in the cricketers and winners of tomorrow.”

Hadfield’s standout players in 2026 were Liam Doyle (500+ runs, 2 centuries, and 20 wickets), Cameron Ball (nearing 500 runs and 50 wickets), Richard Tranter (500+ runs, 1 century, and 15 wickets), and professional Krishan Sanjula (600+ runs) who heads back to Sri Lanka this week where he will commence their First Class season in just a few weeks.

Youngster Alfie Joy, meanwhile, who rejoined Hadfield from Dinting this year, ends as their second leading wicket taker.

In the absence of seasoned veterans, he averaged just 18 with the ball.

Others have plenty of room to improve.

Club Captain, Cameron Ball, finished:

“To win my first trophy as Hadfield captain is a special thing but to win it surrounded friends, as well as family, is even better.

A huge thing this year, which I know we will take into next year, has been that everybody has stood up at some point or another.

When we have been asked the difficult questions, someone has answered.

A couple of wickets here, a 20 or a 30, a brilliant bit of fielding.

We were also missing two key bowlers for the majority of the season – as well as myself for a quarter of it – yet we (nearly) always found a way to win.

We didn’t join the GMCL to make up the numbers and I hope this is the first of many more special days to come.”