Week 8: Sat 7th & Sun 8th June
Denton West (116) vs 1st XI (113-3 DLS)
On a gloomy, rain-interrupted Saturday in June, Stretford 1st XI produced a clinical performance to secure a commanding win over Denton West 2nd XI at Windsor Park, despite the weather’s best efforts to derail proceedings.
With a heavily delayed start and further interruptions, the match was reduced to 47 overs per side. Stand-in skipper Rob Renforth opted to bowl first on a damp track that offered assistance from the outset.
His decision quickly paid off. Denton West never truly settled, losing wickets at regular intervals. Only their captain showed any real resistance, compiling a hard-earned half-century while watching partners come and go. The Stretford new-ball duo of Benjy Evans (3-25) and Renforth himself (3-26) did the bulk of the damage, combining for six wickets and ensuring the hosts were dismissed for a below-par 116.
Stretford’s reply had just started to gain traction when the rain returned, forcing a recalibration of the chase. With the target adjusted to 110 from 42 overs under DLS, the visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance.
Enter Syed Haider.
What followed was nothing short of carnage. Haider launched a relentless assault on the Denton West bowlers, smashing six maximums in a blistering 22-ball half-century. He eventually fell for a brutal 61, caught with just eight runs required.
Supporting him was the dependable Ramesh Perera, who rotated the strike smartly and anchored the innings with a composed 32. The target was overhauled with ease — inside 17 overs and for the loss of just three wickets — securing maximum points for Stretford.
In difficult conditions, Stretford showed composure, firepower, and control — a dominant display that will boost confidence and momentum going forward.
2nd XI (113) vs Whalley Range (69)
“Start the car!” – Stretford 2nd XI Blitz Local Rivals in Rainy Rumble!
Ooh, what a day we had down at Stretford! Bit of drizzle, bit of drama, and a WHOLE lot of cricketing chaos as the 2nd XI turned Lesley Road into a theatre of dreams — unless you’re from Whalley Range, that is!
Now then, Stretford won the toss, had a little think, and said, “Right lads, we’ll have a bat.” Not an easy call with clouds darker than a Lancashire November tea break, but they fancied their chances.
Couple of decent knocks in tricky conditions – young Atif Azhar, sharp as a tack at the top with 27, and Mrinal Dasgupta, cool as a cucumber in the middle order with a nicely-judged 31. But the rest? Bit in, bit out. 113 all out. Not a massive score — they’ll have been thinking, “Maybe 20 short, here lads.”
BUT HOLD THE PHONE! Freddie March — he’s not messing about. First ball of the innings, WHOOSH, timber everywhere! Like a firework show down Deansgate. Three wickets for him (3-27), and a lovely bit of pressure up top with young Alfie Carson. Five overs, none for 16, but don’t let that fool you – he had ’em poking, prodding, playing like they were in a phone box!
Then… down came the rain. Big wet stuff. Covers on. Pint of tea. But the storm passed, and out came the real thunder — Connor Bliss. The Kiwi conjurer with his crafty tweakers. Right arm over, little shuffle, loop, dip — BOOM. SIX wickets for just 13 runs. You what?! Range had no answers. They were like rabbits in headlights – batters coming and going quicker than a meat raffle in the club bar.
All out for 69. Done. Dusted. Absolutely blown away.
So there you have it – a proper local derby drubbing. Rain? No problem. Pressure? Bring it on. Bliss? Oh yes. 2nd XI are BACK in the winners’ circle it’s bouncing at The Boundary!
Start the car!
Sunday
South West Manchester (94) vs 3rd XI (105)
Well. If you thought Sundays were for roast dinners, Songs of Praise, and a nap in the conservatory, think again. Because this Sunday brought us a cricketing classic tense enough to make a rubber band snap.
Stretford 3rd XI took the short hop across Trafford to face South West Manchester.
Stretford were sent in to bat first. Tricky conditions, a good bowling attack and limited grit. The result – like a post Sunday roast dessert. Crumble. 105 all out.
A modest total. However, the home side did not intend to come across Hilal Sadat on this day.
Young, fast, and frightening. Charging in with the ferocity of a man trying to get home before Antiques Roadshow starts. 5 wickets for 18 runs in just 6 overs. That’s not a spell, that’s a siege.
South West weren’t going down without a fight, mind. A few of their batters decided to at least try. But six of them – six! – fell for ducks. Two of those golden.
With tension growing tighter, South West crawled their way to 94. Just 11 runs shy. But cometh the hour, cometh Pares Malindi. Taking the final wicket, sealing the deal.
A Sunday showdown, Trafford-style. Anything the 2nd XI can do, the 3rd XI can match – with added drama, more ducks, and a young lad called Hilal who bowls like a man possessed.
4th XI (137) vs Bolton Indians (141-0)
Sunday down at The Boundary as the 4th XI donned their whites and took on a strong Bolton Indians side. Captain Danny Rowan won the toss and bravely elected to bat, full of optimism.
The innings was built on the wise and weathered shoulders of the team’s senior players. Connor Bliss with a stylish top score of 38 – with flourishing drives and flicks. Chris Walker added a classy 26, while Benjy Evans brought a nice mix of flair and late-innings urgency with a useful 21. In the end, Stretford posted 137.
Despite a spirited effort in the field and several “oooohs” and “aahs” from close shouts, Bolton Indians batted with great control and experience, reaching the target in 26 overs without losing a wicket. But don’t let the scoreboard fool you – there were some fantastic moments out there. Tight lines from the juniors, solid stops in the field, and deliveries that had the opposition playing and missing.
It was a great opportunity for the younger members of the side to bowl at a quality batting unit and test their mettle. And test it they did – with grit, effort, and determination.
Plenty to take away, plenty to build on.
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