This Weekend
Debuts
This weekend we handed senior cricketing debuts to a number of players across our Harriers and 3rd XIs
These were, in alphabetical order: –
- Freddie Campbell
- George Campbell
- Harry Cousins
- Joshua Cousins
- Isabelle Gargan
- Charlotte Hempsall
- Rayyan Hussain
- Mercedes Palmer
- Luke Rushton
- Atul Thakor
Congratulations to all debutants, who all made significant contributions to our teams’ efforts.
Below are Harry Cousins, Luke Rushton and Joshua Cousins, each receiving their GHCC caps from captain Any Brown ahead of the 3rd XI B game against Walsden.
Saturday
On Saturday our newly renamed 3rd XI B (previously 3rd XI) and 3rd XI A (previously 4th XI) got their seasons underway.
3rd XI A
Our 3rd XI A travelled to Littleborough. Having been asked to bowl first, early wickets from Joel Houldsworth (2-32) got us of to a solid start, but some solid middle order scores helped Littleborough to post 192-7. We had debut wickets for Rayyan Hussain (1-29), Atul Thakor (1-25) and three for Ciaran Holden (3-38).
In response, 26 from Freddie Campbell and an unbeaten 53 from Joel Houldsworth were not enough at we closed 144-9, picking up a solitary batting point.
3rd XI B
Our 3rd XI B finished just 6 points short of promotion to division 1 last season, and got off to a great start, beating newly relegated Walsden in a closely-contested low-scoring game at Evolve Document Solutions Cliffe Park.
Batting first, Muhammad Shakeel, Paul Houldsworth and Richard Law-Riding all got starts before falling in the teens. Wickets fell regularly after that, but one end was held up impressively by Joshua Cousins, who scored a 70 ball 28* on senior debut to help us to 102 all out.
And those runs would prove to be vital.
Jason Kayley and Asif Akhtar took early wickets, and by the time Muhammad Shakeel had caught and bowled opener Greenwood for 10, Walsden were 31-4 and it was very much game on. Brandwood (45*) looked to be easing Walsden towards victory, but another wicket for Shakeel, and then 5 shared amongst our 3 debutants Harry Cousins (2-11), Luke Rushton (2-14) and Joshua Cousins (1-3) saw us take all 12 points, Walsden all out for 91
Finally on this one, peak athleticism takes many forms. And on the same weekend we saw a sub 2 hour marathon, we also saw this game winning catch from Richard Law-Riding.
But which was best?
Sunday
Harriers Softball 8
Sunday morning saw our Harriers women’s team kick off the 2026 season, welcoming Rishton to Evolve Document Solutions Cliffe Park for an 8‑a‑side softball league opener. With a squad made up mostly of developing players, supported by a couple of experienced teammates, the team produced a spirited and determined performance that showed just how much potential this group has.
The Harriers stayed focused and organised throughout. Batting first, we posted 57‑2, losing only two wickets and showing some excellent intent between the stumps. A bit more confidence to take the easy singles would have pushed the total even further, but the foundations were strong and encouraging.
There were standout moments right across the team. On debut, Isabelle announced herself with a “class” four, Darcy put in an outstanding shift patrolling the boundary, and Mercedes delivered a superb maiden over in her first appearance. We were delighted to introduce all three debutants; Mercedes Palmer, Isabelle Gargan, and Charlotte Hempsall, each of whom slotted in brilliantly. Charlotte also stepped up as wicket‑keeper for the first time, showing impressive composure and awareness in a completely new role. In reply, Rishton reached 87‑0, but the Harriers’ energy never dipped. From Amelia’s excellent bowling to the way the entire squad backed each other through every over, the team spirit was outstanding. One clear focus for the coming weeks will be communication talking more, calling louder, and staying connected on every ball, something that will elevate this developing side even further.
Special credit goes to Kirstie, who led the team brilliantly as captain, keeping everyone positive, organised, and pushing right to the end.
Though the result wasn’t a win, the match was defined by heart, support, and individual growth. For a team with so many players still building their game, this was a hugely promising season opener. With a bit more confidence in finding the gaps and taking those singles, the Harriers are ready to hit their stride. Plenty to build on for the away fixture — and plenty to be proud of already.
1st XI
Our 1st XI fell to a second defeat away at Accrington.
Asked to bat first, we found it tough going, Matt Oddie dug in to top score with 31 from 89 balls as we were all out for 103 with just one over to go.
In response, Accrington decided the way to go was attack, and they did just that, hitting early boundaries to make a huge dent in the modest total.
The Accrington professional struck a four along the ground with the ball lodging perfectly stuck in our pro’s water bottle. After a short delay trying to recover this, he was out next ball, to a ‘worldie’ diving catch at second slip.
This was about as good as it got; Thikshila de Silva took 4 wickets but 20 from wicketkeeper Haratbar saw them over the line.
2nd XI
Our 2nd XI are looking to bounce straight back this year following relegation to division 2 last year. And what a start they have made.
On the back of chasing down over 200 away at Colne last week, they did the same this week at home against Accrington.
Accrington batted first and posted an impressive 231-9, thanks mainly to 92 from Waleed Majeed. Dominic Steele was the pick of our bowlers, taking 4-45 from his 12 overs.
Our response got off to a shaky start, with last week’s centurion Chris Oddie out for just 1 with the score at 6. But Euan Rushton followed up last week’s 89 ball 61 with, an 86 ball 61, and he put on 126 for the second wicket with Caleb Greenhalgh, who also scored an impressive 50.
Both Euan and Caleb were out in the same over, with the score on 133, bringing Max Cocken and Jack Hancock together. Jack fell for a fleeting 6 from 7 balls, but out to bat came captain Miles Corish. He scored 22*, whilst Max hit an unbeaten 59 from just 40 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes to see us home with 5 overs to spare.