Week 17: Sat 9th & Sun 10th August
Match Reports
1st XI: 138-5 (S Haider 66*)
Adlington: 137 (R Renforth 4-20, N Heyes 2-15)
Haider Blitz Fires Stretford Past Adlington to Jump into Promotion Places
Stretford 1st XI produced a superb all-round performance on Saturday to claim a crucial home victory over promotion rivals Adlington — a result that sees them leapfrog their opponents into the Division 2 promotion spots with just five games to play.
Adlington won the toss and opted to bat first, making a flying start as their openers raced to 69 without loss, even forcing Stretford’s leading wicket-taker Benjy Evans out of the attack. The breakthrough came when his replacement, Jack Blackwell, struck twice in quick succession, removing both the opener and the number three on his way to 2-27.
From the other end, Robert Renforth delivered a masterclass in control and swing bowling. Relentlessly accurate, Renforth tied down the batsmen with an outstandingly economical spell of 15 overs, 9 maidens, 4 wickets for just 20 runs. His pressure set the tone, and once the pace of Blackwell and the guile of Renforth had done the damage, spin took over.
Niall Heyes (2-15) and Syed Haider (1-32) wrapped up the tail, leaving Adlington all out for 137 — a remarkable collapse after their flying start, losing 10 wickets for just 68 runs.
Chasing a similar target to last week’s win at Prestwich, openers Barrett (18) and Perera (16) played patiently against the new ball, adding 29 for the first wicket after 13 overs before Barrett departed. Runs slowly ticked away and a couple more wickets slowed momentum, and at 54-3 the game was still in the balance.
Enter Syed Haider. With 84 runs still needed, the all-rounder unleashed a brutal display of hitting, smashing an unbeaten 66 from just 39 balls, including three boundaries and six towering sixes. Supported by Josh Pretorius (15*), who hit the winning run, Stretford cruised home at 138-5.
The victory not only avenges their earlier defeat to Adlington in the season but also lifts Stretford into the final promotion place — a position they’ll be determined to defend in the run-in to the end of the season.
Clifton: 142-2
2nd XI: 139 (A Raza Butt 35, L Dickman 30, U Siddique 26)
Leaders Clifton Leave 2nd XI Bruised
Stretford 2nd XI were unable to halt Clifton’s charge at the top of the table as the league leaders underlined their dominance with an eight-wicket win on home turf.
Stand-in skipper Usman Hasan chose to bat first, and the decision looked justified early on. Stretford’s top three all made solid contributions — Ali Raza Butt (35), Lucas Dickman (30) and Uwais Siddique (26) — pushing the score to a promising 108-3. A commanding total was in sight.
However, the introduction of L. Dorsey swung the game dramatically. The Clifton bowler tore through the visitors’ top & middle order, claiming 6 wickets and sparking a collapse that saw Stretford lose seven wickets for just 31 runs, finishing 139 all out.
Defending a below-par total, Stretford made a disciplined start with the ball, removing two of Clifton’s top order before the leaders settled. From there, the hosts showed their class, patiently waiting for scoring opportunities before accelerating to 142-2 and sealing victory.
The result pushes Clifton 25 points clear at the summit with the title all but wrapped up, while Stretford remain in second place, holding a six-point cushion over third. Next up is a crucial home clash against second-bottom Westleigh, as the 2nd XI look to solidify their promotion push.
SUNDAY
Failsworth Macedonia: 145 (R Lawson 2-30)
3rd XI: 256-9 (P Lambton 72, H Sadat 35, R Lawson 34*, S Santhosh 34, A Imtiaz 31)
Stretford 3rd XI Cruise to 111-Run Win at Failsworth Macedonia
Stretford 3rd XI delivered a dominant all-round performance on Sunday to claim a convincing 111-run victory away at Failsworth Macedonia.
Captain Paddy Lambton won the toss and elected to bat, confident there were runs to be had on a true wicket — and he led from the front. The skipper compiled a fine 72, setting the tone for a strong team total. Young talents Hilal Sadat (35) and Ayaan Imtiaz (31) added vital middle-order runs, while Sanmay Santhosh chipped in with 34. A late flourish from No. 11 Rob Lawson, smashing an unbeaten 34*, pushed Stretford to an imposing 256-9.
In reply, the hosts were never allowed to settle. Stretford rotated their attack well, ensuring pressure from both ends. Wickets fell regularly, with several bowlers making breakthroughs. Rob Lawson completed an excellent all-round display, following his quickfire runs with 2-30, as Failsworth Macedonia were bowled out for 145.
The comprehensive win underlines the 3rd XI’s depth and balance, with both youth and experience contributing heavily to a commanding team performance putting last weeks semi final defeat behind them and a full force return to the league campaign.
4th XI: 60 (S Naseri 28)
Stayley: 166 (A Sher Amir 3-16, M Keogh 2-11, N Malik 2-28, S Naseri 2-28)
Stretford 4th XI Fall Short Against Stayley
Stretford 4th XI slipped to defeat at home on Saturday as Stayley claimed victory by 106 runs.
The visitors batted first and put together a solid total, eventually bowled out for 166. Stretford’s attack worked hard throughout, with wickets shared around the side. Junior talent shone in particular — Ali Sher Amir impressed with 3-16, while Max Keogh (2-11), Nabeel Malik (2-28) and Subhan Naseri (2-28) all made key breakthroughs. Chasing 167 for victory, Stretford’s reply never truly found momentum. Wickets fell all too regularly, and only Subhan Naseri offered significant resistance, top-scoring with 28. The home side were dismissed for 60, leaving Stayley comfortable winners
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