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Stretford CC Ready for 2026 Season with Strong Squad and Fresh Talent

Stretford Cricket Club head into the 2026 season full of optimism, with a well-balanced 1st XI squad combining proven performers, exciting new signings, and the welcome return of key homegrown talent.

After a sucessful 2025 campaign, the focus this year is clear: consistency and a push up the table, with strength in depth across all sides giving the club a strong platform to build on.

1st XI Strengthened Across the Board

The 1st XI has retained a strong core, led by the ever-reliable Ramesh Perera, whose consistency with both bat him a strong performer last season. Alongside him, Tim Boyd returns after a dominant year and will again be a key figure in the top order.

Stretford have also added quality to their batting lineup with the signing of Ulli Bronkhorst, a young South African who arrives with valuable local experience after three seasons at Astley Bridge. His familiarity with conditions in the Greater Manchester leagues should allow him to settle quickly.

A major boost for the club is the return of Matt Armstrong, the talented wicketkeeper-batter who comes back to Stretford after completing his studies in Nottingham. His presence behind the stumps and in the middle order adds both class and leadership.

New recruit Sushi Nagarajan also joins the club, moving up from Premier League cricket in Coventry. An exciting talent, he brings attacking intent and valuable experience at a high level.

Firepower with the Ball

Stretford’s bowling attack looks equally strong heading into the season. Robert Renforth and Benjy Evans are set to take the new ball, forming a reliable and experienced opening partnership.

They will be supported by the pace and energy of Jack Blackwell, whose ability to deliver quick, aggressive spells adds a real edge to the attack. Meanwhile, Niall Heyes offers a contrasting threat with his guile and control, providing crucial variation through the middle overs.

Strong Foundations in the 2nd XI

The 2nd XI will once again play a vital role in the club’s success, with Connor Bliss returning to captain the side. The squad remains largely unchanged, ensuring continuity and stability.

While the club says goodbye to Freddie March, they welcome Jitesh Malukani as a like-for-like all-round replacement. Early signs suggest he will be an exciting addition—capable of striking the ball powerfully and bowling with genuine pace.

A number of talented homegrown players will also feature, all pushing for opportunities in the 1st XI as the season progresses.

Opportunities Across the Club

The 3rd XI continues to provide an important platform for development, offering competitive cricket and a pathway for emerging players to progress through the ranks.

With strength across all teams, Stretford are well-positioned to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Opening Fixtures

The new campaign begins with a challenging set of fixtures. The 1st XI travel to face Uppermill Cricket Club, a side that finished mid-table in Division One last year, while the 2nd XI host Bradshaw Cricket Club at home.

The 3rd XI get underway on Sunday with an away trip to Shaw Cricket Club.

Looking Ahead

With a strong blend of experience, youth, and new talent, Stretford CC enter the 2026 season in a confident position. If the side can build consistency and make the most of their depth, there is every reason to believe this could be a highly successful year for the club both on and off the field.

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My Friend Electric: Mike Laker Obituary

On a rainy Sunday the away friendly match had been abandoned after 3 overs at Caldy on the Wirral. Since there was no home match at Stretford, a few of us decided to stay for a pint. Others elected to go back to the club. On my return to Stretford, the club house appeared closed but a faint 135 beat per minute drum and bassline suggested signs of life. I cautiously opened the lounge to reveal Mike and his young sons Christopher and Matthew singing and dancing around the pool table to Abba’s Does Your Mother Know using the cues as guitars. I remember questioning myself.  “Have I walked into some sort of parallel universe?

In retrospect, it wasn’t a parallel universe it was a perfect moment to sum up Mike. I joined in as if nobody was looking!  He was a person filled with joy without a bad word for anyone. A true gentleman. He knew what he liked and was hugely committed to those things. He loved his family. He loved his sport. He loved his music. He loved Man United (I won’t hold that against him). He was a massive real ale fan before it was cool. Most of all, he loved other people doing well. He didn’t mind what you did as long as you did something with 100% effort.   He had respect for everyone – he used to greet me with a bow “Lord Sharp, I presume?” …………. I will never know why?!

And so, with great sadness I must announce that Michael Laker died yesterday at the age of 60. He had been diagnosed with dementia; such a cruel disease. He will be massively missed by all at Stretford CC. On behalf of everyone at the club, I offer my sincere condolences. My thoughts go out to Jill, Christopher, Matthew & the Laker family. I feel very privileged that such a great bloke was my friend.

Some of the best times of his life took place at the club a place he always regarded as home. From the first time I met Mike whacking tennis balls in the nets with his sons down at Electric Avenue behind the scoreboard or getting run out by him on my 3rdXI debut it was obvious he was a SCC true blood and a complete one-off.

 Everyone at Stretford CC has a favourite Mike Laker story.

Mike was always the type of player to take on advice from others. He had reached 50 runs in a third team match which is both a time for celebration and caution. As a batter, it is always a danger period in your innings after passing a milestone. 50 runs is never enough. You acknowledge the clapping from teammates and spectators and then it’s important to knuckle down to score more runs. Taking this message very literally, Mike removed his batting gloves and pads in the centre of the wicket. He placed them on the ground alongside his trusty Grey Nicholls sleeper. Then, he gave himself a good talking to. “START AGAIN, START AGAIN” he shouted. He was dismissed shortly afterwards.

Stretford always tried to stay ahead of the times with technology. One match, Nige Mitson decided to rig up a stump microphone. Very advanced in the late 80s! Mike was struggling at the crease batting. Mistiming shots, playing and missing, false strokes. I heard it was quite amusing to listen to Mike as he lambasted himself over the stump microphone. He scratched his way through the innings. All of a sudden, the shackles came off and Mike gloriously stroked a drive through to the cover boundary. As soon as the ball hit his bat, Mike shouted joyfully into the microphone. “There we go, ELECTRIC.”

A new nickname was born. Mike embraced it with great pride. He developed a new handshake with his teammates [BUZZZZ BUZZZZ] – if you know you know.

The memory of Electric Mike Laker will always shine bright at Stretford CC.

We will update members with funeral details when known.
We would love to hear any more stories you have or memories of Mike.

Club Secretary Cricket Fixtures

Exciting Changes at Stretford Cricket Club for 2025

As the 2025 cricket season approaches, Stretford Cricket Club is buzzing with anticipation. With a raft of new signings, an expanded league structure, and ambitious development plans, the club is ready to take its on-and off-field performance to the next level. Here’s what fans, members, and players can look forward to this year.

Five New Signings

Stretford has secured five key signings, adding depth and experience across its senior teams. Overseas signing Ryan Moffett, the nineteen-year-old Namibian, a dynamic wicketkeeper batsmen will look to fortify the top order, while Tim Boyd, a hard-hitting all-rounder, promises to bring fireworks with both bat and ball, Joining them is Syed Haider, a proven middle-order batsman and crafty left arm spinner; brings a wealth of experience playing in top leagues around Europe, and Ramesh Perera, with his devious right arm off spin and aggressive top order batting will add further prowess to the 1st XI. Finally, new Head Coach & 2nd XI overseas signing Connor Bliss, will provide a huge boost to training with his knowledge and skill set, along with his ability as a crucial all rounder to forge a successful season for the 2nd XI. These additions are expected to strengthen the club’s push for league success across all teams.

A New Chapter for the 4th XI

In a significant milestone for the club, the 4th XI will compete in a newly formed development league in the GMCL this season. This not only offers more playing opportunities for emerging talent at Stretford it also gives a taste of senior cricket to those juniors of the future. Captain Danny Rowan eagerly awaits the season with high hopes. “Having brought through some of the junior players over the last few seasons into the 2nds and 3rds, I am looking forward to seeing the next crop of young talent coming through and the newly formed 4th XI will hopefully be a great step in bringing in those players who are ready to make the next step in to senior cricket”

A Packed Social Calendar

Stretford CC has always been about more than cricket, and 2025 is no exception. The club has organised a full calendar of social events, from quiz nights and family barbecues to themed parties, hire outs and karaoke evenings. These events aim to bring together players, families, and members while simultaneously supporting the club to hold further enjoyable events for all.

We invite all members to make the most of our fantastic facilities and competitive prices. Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing drink at our bar or hosting your personal celebrations and parties in our welcoming space, Stretford Cricket Club is the perfect place to create memorable moments.

Project New Clubhouse: A Vision for the Future

One of the most exciting developments is the Project New Clubhouse, a bold initiative to modernise the club’s facilities. This ambitious project aims to create a welcoming, state-of-the-art space for players and supporters alike. Fundraising is already underway, with a series of events planned throughout the year.

A standout initiative is Rob Renforth’s run to the Home of Cricket in March, where Rob will take on the incredible challenge of running the equivalent distance from Stretford to Lord’s Cricket Ground.

That’s over 10k a day throughout the month of March. This event has already captured the imagination of members and supporters, with donations pouring in.

You can continue to support Rob by donating through here:

Growing Sponsorship and Social Media Presence

The club has also seen a surge in sponsorship interest, with several new partners coming on board for the season. These collaborations will provide vital financial support while offering exciting promotional opportunities for sponsors across the community.

Additionally, Stretford CC’s social media presence is growing rapidly, with regular updates, match highlights, and key insights , keeping fans engaged and attracting new followers. We’re now on TikTok!

A Season of Promise

With five exciting new signings, expanded playing opportunities, a packed social calendar, and ambitious development plans, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Stretford Cricket Club. Whether you’re a player, supporter, or newcomer, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Let the season begin! Stay updated on all things Stretford CC by following the club’s social media channels and attending upcoming events. Together, we’ll make 2025 a season to remember