With both the 1stXI and 3rd XI picking up victories and the 2ndXI involved in a tie it proved to be a highly successful opening weekend for Stretford’s senior sides. With 85 miles in their legs from last weekends fundraising bike ride we are delighted that two of our cycling hero’s stood out on week one.
Stretford 1sts hosted Swinton Moorside in the first game of the Covid reduced season.
With the ground looking superb, Stretford won the toss and elected to bowl first- the forecast was for rain after four months of lockdown sunshine. There were few new faces in the team despite the lack of cricket. Welcome Rana, Saleem and Aaron Wild. Stretford without any spinner due to the absence of last year’s leading wicket taker Tom Coulson who has gone and got himself a job.
Stretford Captain Ryan Williams opened the bowling with new boy Saleem Akram, they both started well with very few runs scored from the first 8 overs.
With only 15 runs on the board, Benjy Evans (3-18) finally got the important break through with a lovely inswinging delivery to bowl the opening batsman.
Swintons batting lineup collapsed under some very tight bowling from the Stretford attack, all bowlers chipping in with the wickets. Evans and the Doncaster Dynamo Adam Saynor were particularly impressive.
Swinton were bowled out for 84 and Stretford were strong favourites to wrap up the game. With various 2019 batting collapses fresh in the memory it was always going to be a nervous total to get on a wicket which was very slow and low.
Opening partnership of Keeper Matthew Armstrong and Vice Captain Ocean O’Malley steadily but confidently knocked the total of 85 off, both being not out at the end of the innings with Armstrong 49* and O’Malley 23* leading Stretford to a 10 wicket win.
Captain Ryan Williams was pleased with the performance; “it was a great win for the lads especially after a frustrating wait to get the season started, it was good to get out on the field and play in the manner we did. The bowling unit delivered everything I expected. There were a few rusty deliveries however was great to see everyone chip in and contribute. The batting was superb to knock off the total without losing a wicket is always a great showing for the supporters and locals to see. Next week we take on Winton CC again at home so would be great to see faces down on Saturday to support the lads”.
Awaiting Match Reports…..
