My wife and I spent a few days in East Cheshire earlier this week, close to the small town of Bollington near Macclesfield, A bit of prior research showed that Bollington supported what appeared to be a thriving cricket club, running several teams including junior sides. After checking in at our accommodation on Saturday afternoon we made the short journey into Bollington and quickly stumbled upon the spacious, well appointed ground which has a large playing area surrounded by trees. On one side of the ground flows the River Dean the path by which affords a good view of the cricket and is obviously popular with Saturday afternoon walkers.
The match in progress was a Cheshire County Cricket League Second XI Second Division game between Bollington II and Alvanley II with the visitors batting in bright sunshine. They made 216 for 6 off their fifty overs with opener Chris Jones run out for 61. Opening bowler Gregg Bishop took 5 for 53 off his 12 overs. When we passed by again later in the day looking for refreshment at the adjacent Vale Inn the game was still in progress with Bollington making a decent fist of getting the runs but they were all out for 200. This left them fifth in the table with Alvanley close behind. Meanwhile the local's first eleven had given Marple a sound pasting, a result which puts them third in the division, a table headed by Oulton Park CC.
Later in the week we were in the vicinity of the ground when a Cheshire High Peak Under 18 game was being played on a lovely summer's evening. Bollington not doing so well here, 41 all out chasing 184 for 1 set by table toppers Woodford. For those not familiar with this part of Cheshire Woodford lies a few miles east of Wilmslow on the edge of the Greater Manchester conurbation.
Another view of The Recreation Ground, Bollington, home to three adult teams, veterans and four junior sides.
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