GREENFIELD Cricket Club Under-11s has literally hit its opponents for six to be crowned both Greater Manchester and Lancashire champions.
The youngsters from Ladhill Lane have certainly put the club on the map with their exploits.
The first success came in the Lancashire event with finals day held at Wigan.
Greenfield beat Orrell Red Triangle by 58 runs in the semi-final and Clitheroe by 19 runs in the final, both exciting matches which were settled in the last over.
Clitheroe, the reigning Lancashire U11 champions, had been favourites to retain their crown.
In the semi-final Harrison Buckley took four wickets for seven runs while Jim Sleight and Will Jackson each took 3-11.
This was followed by success in the Greater Manchester Cricket League Cup when on finals day, which Greenfield hosted, they beat Friarmere in the semi-finals and Denton St Lawrence in the final when Jim took four wickets for one run and Harley Greenwood three wickets for five runs.
Team manager Chris Sleight, who has worked with the group since U9 level, described them as a “pretty special bunch”.
He said: “The junior section has been running for 40 years and we have only won one Greater Manchester title previously, and that was not at U11s.
“We have never previously got anywhere near a Lancashire title which is a great achievement.”
Of the 10-strong squad – they play eight-a-side games – seven appear for the Oldham and District team, Will Jackson, Jim Sleight, Lewis Jagger, Harley Greenwood, Harrison Buckley, James Alcock and Jake Wilde. The three remaining players are Zander Harrison, Alfie Bundy and Louis Weedon.
Will is the Lancashire U11 vice-captain and captains Greenfield when not on county duty.
Jim, who captains Greenfield in Will’s absence, has just been selected for the national bowling academy development squad.
Harley is the team’s leading run scorer while Jim has claimed most wickets.
Of the team’s achievements, Chris added: “It is fantastic not only for the lads but also the club. It resonates through the junior section to the seniors.
“Surprisingly we don’t focus on winning trophies, but it is about participation, social interaction and inclusivity.
“We want to produce players to take the first team forward in the future. If we can have fun as well, that is great.”
Greenfield’s magnificent seven players helped the Oldham district U11s retain the Bob Hurst Rosebowl, the district county championship.
Five of the players – Will, Lewis, Harley, Harrison and Jim – featured in the semi-final and final.
Jim top scored and took two crucial late wickets in the semi-final win against Bolton.
Then in the final Will blasted the opposition away with four wickets and then carried his bat as well as top scorer as Oldham (84-5) beat Lancaster and Morecambe (83-9) to retain the Rosebowl for a third successive year.
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