Edgworth Cricket Club has completed a first and second team league double for the first time in their 122-year history.

The first team had already secured their position as winners of the Greater Manchester Cricket League ECB Premier League the previous weekend, and last Saturday Liam Watkinson, enjoying some late-season form, led the team to victory in a comfortable six-wicket victory over bottom club Woodbank, chasing their target of 157 with well over 20 overs to spare. Watkinson added a rapid 69 not out to his four first-innings wickets.

In almost a reverse of 2023, Edgworth finished the season 10 points clear of last year’s champions and Derek Kay Cup winners Roe Green.

Key to the team’s success was skipper and wicketkeeper Sam Bancroft. He began his journey with Edgworth at eight years old, and his connection with the club and the village, together with his dedicated and tenacious nature, has served him incredibly well in his first year as captain.

There were a host of strong performers throughout the season, including several young local players who have come through the club’s junior set-up.

But without doubt the standout player was professional Tom Rogers. Already a rising star in Australia, where he opens the batting for the Melbourne Stars and for Victoria in white-ball cricket, Rogers has made an indelible mark on Edgworth, and on the GMCL, scoring in excess of 1,000 league runs and 1,475 in all competitions, including three centuries - all at a rate of well over a run a ball.

His leg-spin has also been very effective with more than 50 wickets in his debut season, forging a potent spin partnership with 18-year-old local lad George Kelly, who also broke the 50-wicket barrier.

While the first team’s fate was sealed well ahead of the final afternoon, the seconds had to wait until long after they had successfully chased Royton’s 89 all out inside 10 overs to learn their keen rivals, Walshaw, had been beaten by another local side, Elton, meaning both sides finished level at the top of the league on 95 points, more than 20 points ahead of third-placed Shaw.

Edgworth’s slightly superior net run rate gave them the title in an enthralling race between two strong teams Like the first team, Guy Haynes’ men had many strong performers across the season but the plaudits will undoubtedly go to Jake Whittaker, who surpassed 100 wickets in all competitions, including a remarkable 10-wicket haul against Milnrow.

Edgworth CC chairman, David Enright, was naturally delighted with the success and said: “It’s been a fantastic achievement for the club.

“In 2019, under the leadership of Guy Haynes, the cricket section developed a five-year plan, encompassing improvements both on and off the field, that has culminated in the club’s most successful season in its 122-year history.

“Senior and junior participation in the male and female game are at record numbers at every level at the club with some great young talent progressing through the ranks.

“This puts the club on firm foundations to hopefully challenge for further titles in the years to come.”

Club president, Mike Davies, added: “I just wanted to add my congratulations to our first and second teams on their tremendous achievements this season and with some truly outstanding performances.

“It was great to see young players establish themselves in the teams and contribute to the success. Long may it continue.”