South Manchester Casual Cricket League
The long-standing midweek league, which features a maximum of 8 teams from North Cheshire and South Manchester, is not currently seeking additional teams but opportunities do arise from time to time.
SMCCL matches are played on weeknights throughout the summer inc a cup competition. The league programme typically ends in late July, with four weeks set aside in August for re-arrangements.
Teams must have access to a home venue with reasonable facilities, including changing rooms and sightscreens.
In terms of playing standard, matches are aimed primarily at those for whom midwicket cricket is their only avenue, although less prominent club cricketers are permitted and do feature across all teams. Former League secretary Ian Hughes explained:
“While our origins are as a ‘Casual’ League promoting cricket for those not able to commit to playing at weekends, inevitably with club cricket being almost a day’s commitment, some League players do now feature for most of our teams.
“We do try to keep this to a reasonable level however and are certainly not looking for first team cricketers from the top leagues, as the differential in ability would be too great.
“While we have some club players among our teams we still have a lot of players for whom our midweek league is their only avenue to playing cricket and facing players of too high a standard runs the risk of losing their interest. We very much want to pitch this at the right level.”
Ian has now retired as Secretary so any clubs or teams interested in joining the competition should now contact Mike or Simon
Update February 2025