On an unsettled Saturday, Stretford hosted Winton in round 2 of the Covid season. Winton won the toss and elected to bat first on a slow and low Stretford wicket. Despite the slugglish nature of the pitch, Stretford quickly took the initative, seizing five dramatic wickets for 28 runs inside the first ten overs. Ryan WIlliams 6-20, Saleem Akram 3-28 were the chief destroyers in bowling out Winton for a modest 112. Only Tom Derbyshire showed any resistance with a solid 48.
In reply Stretford lost two early wickets with only 16 runs on the board but Major Khan (36), Williams (16*) and Rich Mathewson (18) ensured there was no termial collapse. Stretford won by 4 wickets.
After the victory Williams praised the attitude of the players “Today was a great win not just for the team, but for the club as a whole. We conducted ourselves superbly in a hard fought win. It was good to see different players taking their chance; this time it was Munir, Rich and I, which shows we have depth. There is a great buzz around the club from the junior section upwards. If we build on this momentum it will be interesting to see how far the club can go”
Following their hyponychium chow down seven days earlier in tied game against Worlsey, the 2ndXI entertained an uber green Monton at Wythenshawe and hoped for a more relaxing afternoon.
After winning the toss and electing to bat Renforth was left pondering whether he had made the right decision after he was dismissed for just 1 after 7 balls (cricket. Stretford’s misery continued early on when opener Sarfraz was bowled and Riddell snicking off for just 4. Stretford slipped to 28-3. There was plenty of middle order grit and determination from Walmsley Page and Wright who saw Stretford steer towards another steady score of 155 ao.
Skipper Renforth and young gun Taylor looked to make early in roads into the monton battoing line up after the break. Taylor’s left arm over the wicket was economical, going for just 12 off his 5 overs. Whilst Renforth again lead from the front taking two wickets at the top including a impressive catch from young prospect Tuner at cover. With a caught and bowled the second team skipper added to his four the previous week. With Page and Wright refreshed after their battle with the bat they took a newly sanitised ball and went to work with pace and fire. Page bowling 6-13-3 and Wright a short sharp 2-4-1. Including a run out from returning Marshall, Stretford took control. With Turner and Cotton revving up the spin at the end of the innings with Cotton adding to his scalps last week and Turner getting his maiden Senior wicket at Stretford, Monton were dismissed for 85 giving Stretford a 70 run victory. A solid start for the seconds however tough tests to follow for the boys in blue
Hyponychium-respect !