Well, tonight sees the GDPL return for its 2026 season. I just wanted to do a quick preview of tonight and welcome everyone, either back or to the league.
Game 1 - Gorton Con Club v Halfway House
This one sees the GCC take on one of the new additions to the league, and as such, it’s hard to tell how this one will go. The GCC have some long-established players, but as we are now playing Blackball, I think that could be a great leveller.
Game 2 - Prince of Wales B v Clayton Con Club
This one is between two well-established teams who should know each other fairly well. The CCC have a new captain this year in Steve, who will be hoping for a new captain’s bounce. The POW B also have some new players who are as eager as ever.
Game 3 - The Bush v Strawberry Duck
Another new team makes its debut tonight against last season's new addition. Hard to predict again, but I believe some of the Bush players have played Blackball before. The question is, will that give them the advantage?
Game 4 - The Klondyke v Prince of Wales A
Well, this sees the GCC A now moved to their new home at the Klondyke, which is a welcome return for the venue and also some superstar players. They come up against last year's champions in the Prince; there have been a few personnel changes, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Game 5 - The Plough v The Waggon & Horses A
Another new team plays host to a Waggon A team that has made some big additions in the off-season. One of their players even said to me, “You may as well give us the league trophy now.” I think it will be more difficult than they think. The Plough team also has some returning players, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Game 6 - The Sidings v The Steelworks
The Sidings host their old rivals, the Steelworks, in the first game back. Over the years, these two teams have enjoyed a great rivalry, and it ebbs and flows to see who has the upper hand. The Steelworks have a new captain this season, so let's see how it works.
Game 7 - The Vulcan v The Buxton
The Vulcan makes a welcome return to the league after a decade-long absence. They take on a team that has really embraced the league and improved each and every week since joining, so this one will be a good test for the Vulcan.
Game 8 - Waggon & Horses B v New Crown Inn
The Waggon B will be hoping to get off to a good start this year, but the New Crown Inn are a super enthusiastic team that run in-house leagues and travel around the country to play friendlies. This being said, I think they may surprise a few people this year.