As Paul “Bear” Bryant said, “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” - and throughout the club, class, pride and character are shining through as each player takes to the pitch and the evidence is in the results.

On Saturday, Andy Roberts’ 1st XI make the short trip to Mill Hill Road to face our near neighbours; Irby. Irby haven’t enjoyed the best of seasons and are rooted to the bottom of the table on 78 points, however as we all know when it comes to a local derby the intensity heightens. In the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, Rich Battersby bagged a five wicket haul in bowling out Irby for just 80 runs in a game that kick-started the 1st XI’s season. Andy retains the side which defeated Mobberley last week and will be looking to close the gap on 2nd placed Bollington.

At the UCG, Matt Owen’s 2nd XI welcome Tattenhall in yet another crunch game. Tattenhall are currently one place and twenty eight points above Upton in 3rd place and a victory for the men in green and gold would close that gap. Fresh from a winning draw against league leaders Timperley last week, Matt welcomes back Simon Evans into the fold and Adrian Hughes is promoted from the 3rd XI after his fine 68 not out last week.

Finally back on home soil after a run of away games, Charlie Ward leads the 3rd XI in another local derby, where Oxton 3rd XI are the visitors. Oxton sit in 10th place in the table, two places and 33 points behind Upton so it is crucial that the momentum is maintained from last week’s splendid victory over 3rd placed Neston. The team sees four changes with Aaron Turner, Dan Minshall, Luca Di Stefano and Nathan Pugh coming in.

On the road, John Scragg takes his troops to face mid-table Haslington and he welcomes back his opening bowling pair of Zeeshan Baig and Mohammed Zamir who have 37 wickets between them. Having hung on for a draw last week against Timperley, John will be looking for an improved batting performance this time round.

Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy your cricket.