MATCH PREVIEW: Church Eaton 2nd XI vs Rode Park & Lawton 3rd XI
Saturday 26th April 2025
Away Fixture – Rode Park & Lawton CC
1:00 PM Start -Meet 11.45 - tema photo day (do your hair if you have any & turn up with clean whites)

The 2025 season kicks off this Saturday for Church Eaton 2nd XI, as they travel to face Rode Park & Lawton 3rd XI in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

Last season was a challenging one for the 2s, finishing bottom of Division 8 with just two wins from 16 matches and ending the campaign with 92 points. But this is a new year, with a new-look squad and a new sense of belief. Under the leadership of captain Loz Sidwell, Church Eaton are looking to turn the tide and climb the table in 2025.

There’s a real buzz around the team as several promising junior players step up into senior cricket, adding depth and energy to a side that is eager to prove a point.

Saturday’s opponents, Rode Park & Lawton 3rd XI, are a newly formed team entering the North Staffs & South Cheshire Cricket League for the first time. While the 3rd XI is untested, the club has a strong reputation, with their 1st XI playing in Division 1 and their 2nd XI in Division 5. That pedigree suggests plenty of quality throughout their ranks — and this fixture is likely to be a good early-season test.

Church Eaton 2nd XI, however, finished last season on a positive note, picking up two wins in the final two weekends of the season in T20 matches against Wistaston and Little Stoke. That winning momentum, along with a stronger squad this year, gives reason for optimism.

Key Players from 2024:
Matt Russell – Top run scorer (115 runs)
Stephen Taylor – Just behind with 110 runs and also took 16 wickets
Oli Russell – Leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets

We will be looking to build on & better these contributions from last year & there’s a growing belief that more players will step up and contribute regularly in 2025.

All eyes now turn to Saturday’s opener at Rode Park & Lawton. The stage is set for a fresh start – and the 2s are ready to rise.

Come on you Knights!