Week 5: Sat 17th & Sun 18th May
Match Reports
1st XI (100) vs Prestwich (124)
A game that twisted and turned throughout ended in heartbreak for Stretford CC 1st XI, as they fell 24 runs short in a low-scoring but gripping encounter against Prestwich 2nd XI.
After choosing to bat first, Prestwich looked well-placed at 79-2 and appeared on course for a solid total. However, a disciplined and determined Stretford bowling unit, led by the seamers, turned the tide with a devastating collapse that saw the visitors lose their last 8 wickets for just 45 runs.
The standout spell came from Robert Renforth (sponsored by Medlock Day Nursery), who delivered 15 overs for just 19 runs, claiming 2 wickets and maintaining relentless pressure with six maidens. Tim Boyd (Trash Flowers Trucker Hats) was the chief wicket-taker, finishing with 4-54 in a lively 12-over stint. Once the seamers had broken the back of the innings, spin took over, with Niall Heyes grabbing 2-6 and Syed Haider wrapping things up with 1-0 in a miserly cameo.
Chasing a modest target of 125, Stretford’s reply got off to a disastrous start as early wickets left them reeling at 16-3. A brief phase of consolidation offered hope, but further losses took the home side to 44-6, staring down a steep climb.
A spirited fightback ensued, led by skipper Saynor (TCD Medical), who played a captain’s knock of 36, combining with vice-captain Blackwell (Robert Renforth Cricket Coaching) to edge the home side within striking distance. With just 43 needed and a partnership building, the game hung in the balance. However, Saynor’s dismissal proved the turning point, and with the tail unable to hold on, Blackwell was left stranded as Stretford were bowled out for 100.
A fine bowling performance from Stretford, particularly from the seamers, deserved better, but the batting unit couldn’t quite match the effort. Prestwich held their nerve in the field and capitalised on early breakthroughs to secure a hard-fought victory.
Woodhouses (117) vs 2nd XI (245)
Stretford 2nd XI delivered for the third week in a row a dominant all-round performance on a sun-soaked afternoon at Woodhouses to secure a comprehensive 128-run victory.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first on a dry surface that offered plenty to batters. Stretford capitalised with a well-constructed innings. The foundation was laid by Hamza Arif (sponsored by AF Solutions), who played the standout knock of the day — a fluent and aggressive 65, peppered with 8 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Arif was ably supported by a maturing performance from junior Hilal Sadat, who narrowly missed out on a half-century, falling for 48 after a composed stay at the crease. Other valuable runs came from Mrinal Dasgupta (26), Usman Hasan (27), and James Hepple (29*) as Stretford kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite a few late wickets, the visitors posted an imposing 245 — a total that looked increasingly formidable as the day wore on.
Woodhouses started their reply with promise, reaching 57-1 and appearing to settle into the chase. However, that calm was short-lived as Stretford’s form bowler Usman Hasan stepped up with another outstanding spell of seam bowling.
Hasan tore through the Woodhouses middle order to devastating effect and finishing with 5-51 from 14 overs — his second five-wicket haul of the season. The hosts crumbled under pressure, ultimately bowled out for just 117.
A complete team performance from Stretford 2nd XI, built on solid contributions with the bat and a fiery display with the ball. Arif’s fireworks set the tone early, while Hasan’s relentless spell ensured there would be no late resistance from Woodhouses. With this win, Stretford 2nd XI continues their momentum and confidence as the season gathers pace.
Sunday
Friends United (132) vs 3rd XI (102)
Stretford 3rd XI fell just short in a competitive affair against Friends United, as the home side edged out a 30-run victory.
Bowling first, Stretford 3rd XI produced a spirited performance in the field, with the bowling unit sharing the workload effectively to keep Friends United in check. The attack maintained pressure throughout, with no single bowler dominating, but all playing their part in dismantling the opposition.
Ali Sher Amir (2-30) and Paddy Lambton (2-17), Rob Lawson (2-16) and Max Skuse (2-11) kept the momentum going, ensuring wickets continued to fall at key moments. The collective effort saw Friends United bowled out for 132 — a target that looked within reach but still required composure with the bat.
Stretford’s response never quite settled, with wickets falling at regular intervals and no partnerships of real substance beyond one key stand of 35 between Jonny Haslam (25) and Pav Aqeel (35).
However, once their partnership was broken, the innings unraveled quickly, and Stretford were eventually bowled out for 102, falling 30 runs short of their target.
4th XI (225-5) vs Euxton (240-4)
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