Match Reports: Sat 26th & Sun 27th April
Match Reports
South West Manchester (98) vs United Stars (318-7)
Stretford 1st XI produced a stunning all-round performance to overpower local rivals South West Manchester by a mammoth 220 runs on Saturday.
Batting first, Stretford piled on an imposing total of 318 for 7 from their 50 overs. Tim Boyd was the star of the innings with a superbly crafted 113, providing the perfect anchor for the innings. Syed Haider continued his fluent striking from the season opener and added 80. Benjy Evans, with his unbeaten 44*, provided crucial late-innings acceleration.
In response, South West Manchester were never allowed to settle as Stretford’s bowlers applied relentless pressure from the outset. The innings was dominated by a sensational spell from spinner Niall Heyes, who tore through the South West batting order with remarkable figures of 7 for 19.
Benjy Evans (2 for 31) and Pares Malindi (1 for 6) chipped in with wickets of their own, ensuring there was no respite for the visitors. South West Manchester were eventually dismissed for just 98, sealing a comprehensive and richly deserved victory for Stretford.
This commanding performance further underlines Stretford’s growing momentum this season, with both bat and ball firing in impressive fashion.
2nd XI (116) vs South West Manchester (117-7)
Stretford 2nd XI fought hard but ultimately slipped to a three-wicket defeat at home to South West Manchester in a closely contested match.
Batting first, Stretford were bowled out for 116, with debutant Arohan Rohra impressing with a composed 57. He was supported by Hamza Arif, who chipped in with a valuable 23, but regular wickets prevented the hosts from building a bigger total.
In reply, Stretford’s bowlers made South West Manchester work for their runs. Another Stretford debutant Kevin Ninan led the attack with an excellent spell of 3 for 13, while Freddy March (2 for 23), Hamza Arif (1 for 16), and Usman Hasan (1 for 35) all contributed with key breakthroughs.
However, the visitors managed to reach the target inside 31 overs, securing victory despite a spirited effort from the Stretford side.
A tough result, but plenty of positives — particularly the promising debuts from Rohra & Ninan and a strong showing from the bowling unit.
4th XI (191-7) vs Stayley (128)
Stretford 4th XI produced a strong all-round performance to claim a convincing 63-run victory over Stayley on Sunday.
Batting first, Stretford posted a competitive 191-7 from their allotted overs. Senior stalwart Chris Walker anchored the innings with a composed 45, while the club’s promising juniors stepped up impressively. Hilal Sadat contributed a stylish 34, and Eesa Khawaja added a valuable 22 to ensure Stretford set a challenging total.
In reply, Stayley struggled to build any lasting partnerships and were eventually dismissed for 128. The Stretford juniors shone with the ball, sharing the wickets among themselves. Eesa Khawaja capped a fine all-round display with figures of 2-10, Thomas Garnett impressed with 2-11, Max Keogh chipped in with 2-15, and Ali Sher Amir opened up the innings with 2-19.
It was a comprehensive team effort from the 4th XI, securing a deserved first victory for the year.
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