C Sharp Admin

Eddie Turner Passes Away

We’re very sorry to report the sad news that Eddie Turner has passed away after a long illness.

Eddie was a great supporter of Stretford over many years, watching his son Chris from junior teams through to the 1st team and beyond. He saw his grandsons Nathan and Calum keep up the family cricketing tradition.

Eddie was a great character and no club occasion was complete without his turn on the guitar, channelling the spirit of rock’n’roll and Buddy Holly.

Eddie’s use of his own cricket rhyming slang was legendary – Yul Brynners (spinners) coming on to bowl, especially if the pitch was a Bunsen Burner (turner), sometimes even calling Chris ‘Bunsen’.

Our thoughts are with Myra and all the Turner family.

C Sharp Admin, Cricket Fixtures

Adlington Find the Right Settings as Stretford Slip Up on Testing Track

Week 6: Sat 24th & Sun 25th May

Match Reports

Adlington (107-2) vs 1st XI (106)

Adlington Find the Right Settings as Stretford Slip Up on Testing Track

Stretford made the trip to Adlington hoping to fire a strong performance — but came away second best after the hosts put in a display as efficient as a shift change whistle, sealing an eight-wicket win on a challenging pitch.

Batting first on a surface that offered all the predicatability of a broken forklift, Stretford had their work cut out from the start. The ball spat from a length, tennis ball bounced  and was up and down like a piston. Arohan Rohra (31) and Ollie Barrett (29) (both available to sponsor) stood firm amidst the chaos, showing real bottle as deliveries zipped past gloves and into ribs.

There was grit in the innings, but not much grease. Boundaries were scarce, bruises were not, and as Adlington’s bowlers hit the right spots with relentless accuracy — particularly Green (4-21) and Hicklin (4-30) — Stretford were skittled for 106. A total that, in context, could have been tough to chase with a strong bowling response.

Conditions did ease slightly in the second innings — the pitch still misbehaved but had been tempered just enough by the roller to remove the real menace. What it didn’t remove was the need for discipline with the ball, and that’s where Stretford fell short. Too often, lengths were just a fraction off and lines were just out.. Against in-form batters like Simon Trim (51*) and Rauf Qayyum (49), it was a costly margin.

Adlington’s chase was swift and composed, reaching the target in 17.1 overs. It was a display that made the most of a softened pitch and some inconsistent lines — the kind of smart, factory-floor efficiency that matched the landscape around the ground.

For Stretford, it was a day of missed opportunity rather than lack of effort. Still, the signs of steel were there — particularly in the resilience shown by the batters under fire.

There’s no panic in the dressing room. Just a resolve to fine-tune the output, tighten the bolts, and get the engine humming again next week against TSJ.

2nd XI (144-7) vs 2nd XI (145-2)

Clifton prove too strong for spirited Stretford side

Stretford 2nd XI fell to a home defeat against early-season pacesetters Clifton 2nd XI, who showed their class with a composed run chase after a disciplined bowling effort.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Stretford posted a competitive yet ultimately under-par 144 for 7 from their allotted 45 overs. Opener Uwais Siddique led the way with a solid 37, laying a promising foundation. However, while several batters got starts, none were able to push on and anchor the innings. Captain Pav Aqeel provided some stability in the middle order, finishing unbeaten on 27, ensuring Stretford had something to bowl at.

Clifton’s reply was calm and calculated. Their top order looked assured from the outset, blunting any early threat and steadily chipping away at the target. Despite the loss of two wickets, they reached the required total with overs to spare, showcasing the kind of form that has put them among the early front-runners in the league.

For Stretford, it was a performance with glimpses of promise but lacking the cutting edge needed to challenge a well-drilled Clifton side. They will look to regroup and bounce back stronger in their next fixture.

Sunday

Swinton Moorside (213-8) vs 3rd XI (168)

Brave middle order fightback not enough as Stretford fall short in the rain

Stretford 3rd XI travelled to a damp Swinton Moorside for their latest league outing, where persistent drizzle and a well-rounded home performance combined to hand them a 45-run defeat.

With the conditions uncertain, Swinton Moorside won the toss and opted to bat first, making the most of the early opportunity by compiling a strong total of 213 for 8. The hosts’ top and middle order rotated strike well, finding the boundary regularly despite a determined Stretford bowling display. Paddy Lambton and Kevin Ninan were the pick of the visitors’ attack, claiming three wickets apiece and ensuring the score didn’t spiral completely out of control.

In response, Stretford’s chase got off to a rocky start, slumping to 34 for 4 as Swinton’s bowlers found early rhythm under grey skies. With the pressure mounting, the middle order dug in and mounted a spirited resistance. Oliver Cook led the charge with a fluent 33, supported by handy contributions from Shoaib Akram (22), Hilal Sadat (22), and Max Skuse (20). The chase was reignited, and for a time, the target came within reach.

However, the required rate, coupled with the worsening drizzle and timely wickets from the home side, slowed the momentum just as hopes began to rise. Eventually, the innings came to a close with Stretford all out 45 runs short of the target.

Despite the result, there were positives to take from the fight shown in tough conditions. The 3rd XI will look to build on the resilience shown in the middle overs as they regroup ahead of their next fixture.

C Sharp Admin, Junior Cricket

Trafford Council Scraps SCC Rent Subsidy

The 2025 season is almost upon us and there is much to be excited about as the new season approaches.

We have several new additions to the senior cricket section which we hope will propel the 1st team to challenge for promotion, add depth to our squads for the forthcoming season and improve the chance of success across all our senior teams. We have also entered the 4th team into league cricket which gives our juniors a pathway into senior cricket which is part of a wider plan to produce our own players both now and in the future. Aligned to this we have also secured the services of an experienced head coach who will add vital support to the cricket section.

The junior section continues to grow and we will have 6 junior age group teams for the forthcoming season with the addition of the under 18’s team and our first girls team under the Dynamos age group, this will give girls between the ages of 8-11 an excellent introduction to cricket. We are always on the lookout for people to help with the junior teams and we have supported 2 junior parents through coaching courses this winter which they passed with flying colours, so if you wish to get involved let us know and we’ll help you to help us.

Off the field we have removed the old seating and this will be replaced with benches and picnic tables which will complete the look of the spectator areas. Thanks to those who have sponsored the memorial benches.

We will also be offering further food options from the food shack on which more detail will be provided soon.

But unfortunately it’s not all good news as Trafford Council have informed us that our rent subsidy will be removed and starting from the 1st April we will be subject to rent payments as part of our lease. Initially the rent due was £6700 per annum, however after much discussion with the Council and our local MP, the rent will start at £1300 and rise incrementally over a five year period until it reaches £6700 in April 2029, giving the club some time to adapt to these new costs.

Sadly in response to these new costs and increases in costs across the club we have reluctantly decided to increase our bar prices with most alcoholic drinks rising by 50p. We appreciate these are difficult financial times for many but we felt that increasing the bar prices was a better option than significantly raising subs which may then impact peoples ability to be able to afford to pay and subsequently play cricket. We are currently looking for ways to manage our costs with the hope that we can secure funding for more solar panels to reduce our electricity costs further. We are however keeping our membership points scheme for bar purchases so you will still be able to accumulate points and spend them at the bar.

As part of our discussions with the council on the rent we have taken to opportunity to seek a new lease as our current lease only has 9 years remaining. The new agreement will be for 35 years and include provisions for the council to help maintain the lane condition and safety as well as stipulations on how future rent rises are managed. We are awaiting the first draft of this new lease but once agreed it will provide the club with certainty for the future and also aid our quest to rebuild the clubhouse when we come to seek funding.

So as you can see the management team has had a busy winter preparing for the forthcoming season, giving their spare time freely to help manage the club, so I’d like to extend my personal thanks for all their efforts. If anyone wishes to get more involved with the club we would love to hear from you as we are always looking for volunteers. Any amount of help will be gratefully received.

So with a full cricket and social calendar there is much to look forward to, let’s hope we are blessed with an abundance of sunshine!

Your continued support is much appreciated, I’m looking forward to seeing you all throughout the season.

Russ Carson
Club Chair.

sccadmin Admin

Meet Our New Life Members: Recognising Dedication in Cricket.

Historically, the Life Member honour at the club was only awarded for cricket contributions in the 1st XI. The current committee have decided to modernise the honours system. We now want to recognise overall outstanding long term contributions to the club. Running a cricket club involves much more than simply donning a pair of pads. It also involves wielding a bat or chucking down a ball. It was all a wee bit out of date!

At the AGM last month, Gary Armstrong, Elizabeth Armstrong, and Ian Holding were nominated by the management committee. They were unanimously supported by the general membership to be elected as Life Members.

Gary took over as Chair of the club mid year. The club was in a perilous position both on and off the field. Liz took control of the club finances as Treasurer. Through blood, sweat and tears, she helped to turn the club around over 7 years. Together they saw the new build extension, disabled toilets and club refurbishment through to completion. They raised much needed funds due to a funding shortfall. They were at the helm when we raised £33K to relay the playing square which had become uneven. They always led by example. Their strategy was always to make sure the club was volunteer-led. Whenever there were projects to complete that needed people to join, they were always there getting their hands dirty. They prioritized wider community use to help safeguard the club’s future. Both played key roles in attracting new groups to use the club’s facilities. This helped secure funding from awarding bodies.

Gary and Liz were a great team. It’s very unfair to continue to lump their achievements at the club together. I will stop doing that now. They are two outstanding individuals. They throw themselves into every task and role they undertake. The club would not be here today without Gary Armstrong and Liz Armstrong.

Ian Holding was another person elected as a Life Member at the AGM. He did not play his first cricket game until the age of 45 but his contribution to the club has been priceless. He took over as groundsman 25 years ago and has not received a penny in wages – he refuses! (but does keep a running total in his head of how much money the club owes him). It’s not just his preparation of pitches or ground maintenance, or opening and closing the club, or cleaning the gutters, fixing the roof, cleaning the club house and emptying the bins that is so important for the club; he really does embody the spirit of the place. Everyone knows him and he’s one of the most generous and caring individuals you’ll ever meet. He has been refusing the Life Member honour for years because “it’s for old people” and there is plenty of life in the old dog yet however, we are delighted that he has now been elected.

We want to thank Gary, Liz, and Ian for their efforts and support of the club over many years. They set excellent examples for all our current members.

C Sharp Admin

Saynor, Signings and Shifting the Culture

With 2024 approaching the club has been busy in the close season. Here is the latest cricket news coming out of the cricket section..

Ryan Williams leads the senior cricket section as Director of Cricket and will hopefully pull on his new kit, suppliled by Macron, more often next season. Williams wasted no time installing Yorkshireman, Adam Saynor as 1stXI Captain who hopes to improve the club’s fortunes in 2024.

“The primary goal is a swift return to the Championshp and to do that we needed to reset, retain players, attract new ones and continue to bring through our juniors. That’s the long term goal. We want to play the best cricket possible in a sustainable way” said Saynor.

“I know the areas we need to improve and there are certain areas to target however what we really need is to focus on is raising our own standards, that’s why why we are still looking out for a Head Coach who can help players to improve their performance”

“Stretford has always been a community club and that’s something we need to build on and get running through all our teams again. We’ll all be training together, getting to know each other, supporting each other and i’ll be trying to lead on creating a winning inclusive culture”

There are a couple of additions to the squad already for next season. Wil Foley, a first-grade Australian keeper batsman and fast-bowling allrounder, Omed Basir, who has moved up from Hemel Hampstead. Homegrown all rounder Tom Coulson has also committed his future to the club whose wickets and runs will be invaluable next year.

Ben Riddell will try to build on a mid table finish for the 2nd XI last year and again skippers the twos. Over the winter, Pavail Aqueel has undertaken an ECB L2 coaching course and is aiming to put that to good use in leading the 3rdXI in the GMCL Regional League – that means more games for the third team next seaosn and entry into the cup. We’ve also entered the 4th XI Development League which will be an excellent pathway for juniors into longer format open age cricket, this team will have a 10 game fixture list with additional friendlies and will be led by Danny Rowen. If members do want to undertake coaching courses the club will pay for these but you need to contact Ryan before enrolling but nevertheless this is smashing news that Pav is seeking to furtehr his own development and help others by undertaking his L2.

Ruth Cotton has stepped down as Junior Manager and the club would like to thank her for all her hard work, dedication and time that she put into the role. Details about winter nets will be announced soon.

4th of July fireworks
C Sharp Admin, Social

Bonfire & Fireworks Event Info – SOLD OUT!

Welcome to Bonfire at the Boundary!

The event is sold out so no entry without a ticket. Our advice is to park on Urmston Lane or, if you are able, walk to the club do so (which is located down Lesley Road (M32 9BG)

Welcome to the much-anticipated bonfire and fireworks display at The Boundary, hosted by Stretford Cricket Club! We are thrilled to have you join us for an evening filled with warmth, excitement, and dazzling spectacles. As the night sky illuminates with vibrant colors and the crackling bonfire casts its mesmerizing glow, we invite you to gather with friends, family, and fellow community members to celebrate this special occasion. Prepare to be captivated by a breathtaking display of fireworks that will paint the sky with brilliance and create unforgettable memories. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your presence and hope you enjoy this magical event at The Boundary.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, TCD Medical, for their generous support in making our firework display a resounding success. TCD Medical, renowned for their exceptional expertise in providing bespoke transport services, logistics, and storage solutions, have been major supporters of the club for many years. We would be grateful if you could support them too! Website here….

We’ve tried to improve the event based on feedback from last year, to reduce queues, have more food available and an outside bar and bottle bar.

Gates Open at 5pm
Fire Lit at 6pm
1st Display 7pm
2nd Display 8pm

Bonfire Goodies & Tuck Available from Stretford CC
Food Vendors on Site – Birchwood Pizza, Salt n Pepper Shack, What’s Cooking & Dev’s Ice Cream,

Site Map

Join the club!
Join our vibrant community cricket and social club today and unlock a world of exciting opportunities! For just £15.00, become a valued member and gain access to a host of exclusive benefits. Immerse yourself in the camaraderie of our club as you enjoy the thrilling sport of cricket, cheering on our talented team during matches held throughout the year. But that’s not all – as a member, you’ll also have the privilege of participating in a loyalty scheme at our bar, where you can indulge in your favorite beverages while earning rewards. Additionally, our club hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from social gatherings to live entertainment, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a welcoming community, forge new friendships, and create lasting memories. Join us today and experience the true essence of our cricket and social club! Join here

Hire the club!
Looking for the perfect venue to host your next event? Look no further! Our function room, bar, and grounds are available for hire, catering to a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re planning a memorable birthday celebration, a professional conference, or any other special gathering, our facilities have got you covered. With fully equipped kitchen facilities, you can easily cater to your guests’ culinary needs. Moreover, our venue offers disabled access, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees. The highlight of our location is our fantastic cricket field and practice nets, providing a unique backdrop for your event. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-maintained sports ground, our venue will exceed your expectations. Choose from hiring the space for the whole day or evenings, allowing you the flexibility to plan your event according to your preferences. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories at our exceptional venue. Contact us today to book and make your event a resounding success!

white paper with note
C Sharp Admin

AGM – Thursday October 12th @ 7.30pm – The Boundary

Nominations for positions on the Management Committee or on Sub-Committees can be made by following this link

https://forms.gle/6P6wBmq1xixPgz2R6

Another year has been and gone and, as ever, the club seeks volunteers to stand for roles in helping to fill teams, recruit, promote, fundraise, arrange events. If you can give anytime at all it is much appreciated – if your preference is not to attend meetings but you’re interested in taking on particular jobs get in touch.

Nominations will be taken up to and including 6th October for the following roles:

President – Paul Walmsley (nominated by Chris Sharp & seconded by Ben Evans)
Chairperson – Russ Carson (nominated by Chris Sharp & seconded by Ben Evans)
Vice-Chairperson –
Secretary – Ben Evans (nominated by Chris Sharp & seconded by Russ Carson)
Treasurer – Chris Sharp (nominated by Ben Evans & seconded by Russ Carson)
Director of Cricket – Ryan Williams (nominated by Chris Sharo & seconded by Ben Evans)
Bar Manager – Robert Renforth (nominated by John Foulkes & seconded by Russ Carson)
Bar Treasurer – John Foulkes (nominated by Chris Sharp & seconded by Ryan Williams)
Ground Chairperson – Phil Spencer (nominated by John Foulkes & seconded by Russ Carson)
House Chairperson
Social Chairperson
Fundraising Chairperson
Child Welfare Officers
Press & Publicity Officer
One Other Member

Cricket Committee
Cricket Secretary
Junior Manager
1st XI Captain
1st XI V/C
2nd XI Captain
2nd XI V/C
3rd XI Captain
3rd XI V/C
Sunday A XI Captain – Daniel Rowen (nominated by Chris Sharp & secodned by Ryan Williams)
Sunday A XI V/C – Tom Syddall (nominated by Russ Carson & Seconded by Ryan Williams)

Junior Committee

Bar Committee

Social Committee

Fundraising Committee

House Committee

Ground Committee

Auditors

FInancial reports and minutes of AGM2022 will be made available in due course until then if you wish to discuss how you can support please speak to Russ Carson or email sccadmin@stretfordcricketclub.co.uk

two persons holding drinking glasses filled with beer
C Sharp Admin

Social Membership Available Online

Calling all social/associate members, we have now launched a new online payment facility to renew your memberships!

We have frozen the rate for social membership for another year at £15.00. With a full social diary set to be launched in the next week or two there will be plenty at the club to keep you entertained, not least some exciting cricket in the warm manchester sun.

New for 2023, social membership now allows you to build loyalty points which are accrued with each purchase over the bar. The Loyalty scheme is open to all adult social members and senior players. When you have paid your social membership or senior subs our Bar Manager, Robert Renforth will create your account in our point of sale system. You’ll have to download “Goodies” on the app store, create an account and then you’ll start building points.

You can pay for your social membership here

For everyone who is interested to know here is a worked example;

1 point is worth 1 pence

One purchase of Manchester Craft valued at £4.00 will earn you 40 points.

Therefore when you have purchased ten pints of Craft you will have earned enough points to have a free pint!

C Sharp Admin

Mavis Hutton RIP

With sadness, I report the death of Mavis Hutton who died peacefully on Saturday surrounded by her family. Mavis was aged 90 and was a long time supporter of the club.

Mavis’s first husband was Norman Pomfret, with whom she had two children, Mark and Jan. Following the death of Norman, she remarried the late Pete Hutton; a life-member and first team batter. Mavis and Pete were both very influential figures in the history of SCC. They ran an electrical business and undertook a massive amount of electrical work when the club was rebuilt in 1985.

The club would not be where it is today if it was not for members like Pete and Mavis and we should always remember their contribution.

Condolences to all Mavis’s friends and family. We will announce funeral details when known.